IN FLOEIDA. 113 



with, and now and then a wild-cat; deer are more 

 plentjybut the sportsman will be fortunate if he 

 finds any of these unless he goes especially after 

 them. 



A yacht-club has been established at New Smyrna, 

 with headquarters in Indian River, where the mem- 

 bers expect to do a large part of their yachting. An 

 excellent choice was made at the first election of 

 officers, and its prospects for introducing the sport 

 into the waters of Florida are promising. The presi- 

 dent is Mr. Herman Oelrichs, and the vice president 

 Mr. Girard Stuyvesant, both of New York. 



In extended yachting trips there is often trouble 

 in getting fresh water, a difficulty which is increased 

 at the South, where the land is low, and there are 

 none of what at the North would be called springs; 

 the ice-cold jets of water bubbling from the ground. 

 It is not generally known that sand is so effectual a 

 filter, that drinkable water can be obtained by dig- 

 ging down into it almost anywhere. To take ad- 

 vantage of this, and for many other purposes, it is 

 advisable to carry a spade on board. Water so ob- 

 tained may be a little brackish, but by boiling it will 

 be made, if not quite palatable, at least healthy. 

 Rain falling on the deck is apt to take up portions 

 of the paint, infinitesimally small, perhaps, but suf- 

 ficient to give an unpleasant and unhealthy taste. 

 On the western keys a bush with a peculiar rich 

 leaf, easily distinguishable by those who have once 

 seen it, often grows where water is to be found. 



It would be easy to go on recounting the attrac- 



