278 SOUTH-WEST FLORIDA. 



of the world. The winter season in this section is re 

 markable for the small amount of rain and the equable 

 temperature. At Punta Kassa, twenty miles north of 

 Useppa, at a much less favored portion, the highest range 

 of the thermometer for the years of 72, 73, and 74, 

 was 95 degrees, and the lowest 40 degrees. The observ 

 ers stationed at Punta Rassa favored me with the range 

 of the thermometer for the year 1874, and I shall merely 

 give the highest and lowest ranges for the various 

 months : 



Highest. Lowest. 



January 79 42 



February 84 50 



March 85 55 



April 87 55 



May 90 59 



June 91 70 



July 91 70 



August 91 70 



September 91 67 



October 85 04 



November 82 50 



December 80 49 



We spent several weeks at Charlotte Harbor and the 

 Caloosahatchie river, and did not see a drop of rain dur 

 ing that period ; and found the climate invigorating and 

 delightful. This section of the State is not affected by 

 those sudden transitions of temperature which are so 

 unpleasant farther north, or on the Atlantic coast. For 

 the sportsman, Useppa offers many attractions, as the 

 neighboring oyster reefs and low islands arc frequented 

 by countless numbers of snipe ; the adjoining islands are 

 well stocked with deer, and the waters of the bay teem 



