FOR A HUNDRED DOLLARS. 71 



nali, via the old circuitous route, and a more direct new 

 one. Being naturally so centrally and commandingly 

 situated, drawing the trade and productions of the St. 

 Johns, with its countless tributaries and lakes, it is the 

 place of all places to obtain a first glimpse of Florida in 

 its most flourishing condition. The climate of Jackson 

 ville is not all that could be desired, for it does not pos 

 sess that remarkable softness and warmth generally 

 supposed to belong to Florida. It is subject to extremes 

 of temperature, and in winter will chill a sensitive 

 invalid to the bones with its nocturnal frosts. It has 

 much that is desirable, however, in its bright warm days, 

 and possesses a grand birthright in the St. Johns alone. 

 Here the camper-out had better procure his outfit, except 

 tent and personal effects. From Jacksonville to Enter 

 prise, 200 miles up the St. Johns, the fare by steamer is 

 $12, and of proportionable price to intervening landings. 

 To Salt Lake, the farthest point reached by steamers 

 (curious stern- wheelers), it is about $6 more ; all freight 

 at the rate of about $1 per barrel ; a small boat up 

 the St. Johns pays $5 for passage upon the steamers. 

 Indian river, the great game section, is reached via Salt 

 Lake, from the St. Johns, the distance across land at 

 that point being but six miles. 



New Smyrna, one hundred miles south of the mouth 

 of the St. Johns, has more inducements in fish and game 

 and real enjoyable camping life, but lacks the many 

 conveniences of diet and travel that the other places 

 possess. Few vessels visit it, and these for lumber, 

 chartered by live-oak contractors. For a party in good 

 health, with plentiful supplies, it is the best point one 

 can choose for a few months stay, when the object is 

 merely to gain flesh and have a good time hunting and 



