2. WEST FLORIDA LIME-SINK REGION. 20g 



Economic h'catures — CoineiUng ilic long-leaf aiul slash pines 

 into lumber and naval stores have been, and still are, among the 

 most important industries of this region. Long-leaf pine, which is 

 now estimated to constitute 46 per cent of the forests here, probably 

 stood as high as 60 per cent originally. The two cypresses are used 

 for poles, piles, cross-ties, shingles, etc., but probably not 5 per cent 

 of the total stand of cypress has been cut out yet. The tupelo giun, 

 tyty, gallberry, and several less familiar species are important honey 

 plants. The wire-grass and other native herbs furnish free pastur- 

 age for thousands of cattle here, as in other long-leaf pine regions. 



In 1910 this region had less than 15 per cent of improved land, 

 and about 22 inhabitants to the square mile, an increase of 41 per 

 cent in ten years. Although the soil is not naturally very rich, 

 and half a century ago was supposed to be fit for little else than 

 raising pine timber and "native" cattle, it is very easily tilled, and 

 responds generously to proper fertilization. Consequently in the 

 last few decades, since practically all the richest land in the eastern 

 United States has been appropriated, this in common with other 

 sandy pine regions has attracted settlers in ever-increasing numbers. 



The principal crops in 1912, in order of value, were: Upland 

 cotton, corn, peanuts, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, velvet beans, 

 (grass) hay, oats, watermelons, field peas (including pea-vine hay), 

 peaches, sea-island cotton, pecans, Irish potatoes, figs, cabbage, 

 grapes and pears. 



