38 COASTWISE ROUTES OF TRAVEL. 



miles above Fort Myers, and thirty-one from Punta 

 Rassa, Above the islands the disciple of Old Izaak can 

 put in all his spare time in landing cavalli ranging from 

 five to fifteen pounds. For fight and pluck we can rec 

 ommend this fish. They take the spoon or spinner 

 without hesitation, and we are of the opinion that they 

 would not object to a salmon fly. For hunting and sea 

 fishing we can recommend Tanibel, Lacosta, or Gaspa- 

 rilla islands. For a camping place for the invalid who 

 requires a bracing sea breeze, an equable temperature, 

 salt bathing, and life-giving sunbeams, we would say 

 camp on the northern end of Gasparilla island. The 

 island is two miles in length, and is well stocked with 

 deer. At the entrance, or Little Gasparilla Pass, the 

 fishing is unequalled. On the opposite flats beach birds 

 are more than plentiful. The main land is distant 

 about three hundred yards. In the centre of the island 

 a lagoon with excellent water will be found ; but by dig 

 ging a hole in the sand (and planting an empty barrel 

 in it) from twenty to eighty yards from the bay beach, 

 fair drinking water can be obtained at low tide. If a 

 party landed at Punta Rassa, a small sloop or schooner 

 could be chartered to transport boat, provisions, and 

 camp equipage to camping ground. A few weeks spent 

 on one of the islands in Charlotte Harbor would do 

 much to restore the invalid. Frosts are unknown ; 

 north-casters and north- westers lose their injurious influ 

 ences before reaching these favored spots. A weekly 

 mail is received at Punta Rassa, and supplies could be 

 obtained through Captain McKay, of the Valley City. 

 AVe have advised parties to camp on the end of the 

 island, for, by pursuing this course, bushes and grass 

 would be distant some hundred yards, and in conse- 



