Answer:
withered vegetation
Explanation:
Rachel Carlson in her book "Silent Spring", has highlighted the degradation of the environment being done because of the excessive use of the pesticides. She builds her argument that the chemical industries have been deceiving people by giving incorrect information to them.
In the given excerpt, the phrase 'withered vegetation' shows that the author is in a gloomy mood. She is upset to see the degrading environment. Her tone discloses her feelings of despair.
