COASTWISE ROUTES OF TRAVEL. 39 



quence mosquitoes would not prove troublesome. To 

 intending visitors I would say, secure coast survey charts 

 of this harbor, two in number, obtainable at any large 

 nautical store. 



Returning northward, sportsmen could run the coast 

 line from Little Gasparilla Inlet to Sarasota Inlet, a 

 distance of thirty-eight miles. But unless they are 

 familiar with sailing, and know how to pick their way 

 between bars, and keep clear of breakers, we would 

 advise them to take themselves and boat on board the 

 Valley City and land at Tampa. At Tampa they would 

 find good accommodations by calling upon Lieutenant 

 Wall. Leaving Tampa Bay, with its islands stocked 

 with deer, and every inlet furnishing superior fishing, 

 they would reach Clear Water Harbor by the Indian 

 Pass. From Clear Water Harbor they could run along 

 within two or three miles of the main land in from three 

 to five feet of water. A barrier reef exists from five to 

 seven miles from the main land, and owing to the shal- 

 lowness of the water, and the grassy nature of the bot 

 tom, the water is smooth. Bayous, coves, and small 

 bavs will be found in numbers along the coast line, and 

 a good harbor can always be made. The voyageurs 

 could enter and examine en route the attractive and 

 beautiful springs at the heads of the Wiccawatchee, 

 Cheseowillski, Homosassa, and Crystal rivers. During 

 the winter months the gulf is usually as calm as a mill- 

 pond, and can be safely navigated with a seventeen-foot 

 Whitehall boat ; but for the purpose of navigating shoal 

 water and carrying plunder, we would recommend a 

 batteau, such as is used on the Delaware river. If 

 decked over and supplied with a centre-board and sail, 

 such a craft would be found admirably adapted to the 



