VISIT TO LAKE OKEECIIOBEE. 309 



islands vary from a few square rods to fifty acres, and 

 here and there will be found small belts of pine timber, 

 the islands and belts furnishing ample shelter for 

 game. We were charmed with the country, and deeply 

 regretted our inability to camp out and enjoy a few 

 weeks hunting in the neighborhood of Fish Eating 

 creek. From our own experience, and the statements 

 made by reliable parties, we have no hesitation in assert 

 ing that this section is unequalled by any portion of the 

 United States, for deer hunting or turkey shooting. In 

 crossing the prairie from New Fort Centre, large herds of 

 deer were frequently visible on each side of the trail, but 

 the effects of swamp journeying, and a night s exercise 

 fighting red bugs, prevented us from leaving the wagon 

 and attempting to shoot a deer. Owing to the inequality of 

 the surface, and the protection afforded by the tall grass 

 and patches of saw palmetto, deer can be approached 

 without difficulty. At the period of our visit the 

 Indians were on their annual hunt to Fort Thompson, 

 and a large proportion of the deer had been driven to 

 points a few miles distant. Since the removal of the 

 Seminoles, deer have roamed and increased on the prairie 

 undisturbed. As an evidence of the superiority of this 

 section as a hunting ground, we need but cite the fact 

 that the Indians residing on the eastern side of the lake, 

 and in the Miami region, annually visit Fort Thompson 

 for their winter s hunt. With the exception of the few 

 annually destroyed in the neighborhood of Fort Thomp 

 son by poor Lo, deer roam undisturbed, the grasses are 

 nutritious, climatic conditions favorable, and, as a con 

 sequence, the amount of deer in this section is fabulous. 

 This locality is truly the hujiter s paradise, and must be 

 visited to be appreciated. I have no hesitation in stating 



