312 SOUTH-WEST FLORIDA. 



8. INDIAN MOUNDS AND CANALS. 



WE left Fort Thompson with reluctance, but our 

 nearly-exhausted bread-box prompted us to reach Man 

 atee at an early day. We commenced the descent of 

 the river, and resolved upon thinning out the gators. 

 Before reaching Punta Rassa, we footed up our gator 

 account, and found that we had settled the affairs 

 of ninety-four on the Caloosahatchie, the best day s 

 sport being thirty-six. We have done some little shoot 

 ing in our time ; but for excitement and amusement 

 give preference to gator perforating, and can confidently 

 recommend the Caloosahatchie to those who wish to 

 engage in this description of sport. At this point I may 

 remark, that we thoroughly tested the Winchester and 

 Remington riiles ; and for penetration, convenience of 

 loading, accuracy of shooting, and general usefulness, we 

 are forced to give the decided preference to the former. 



Passing a bayou twenty miles below Fort Thompson, 

 Harry noticed a woodcock, and we landed. In this re 

 tired and beautiful spot we started seven, the only ones 

 we noticed during our wanderings. We have often 

 thought that these birds have a taste for the beautiful 

 in nature, for they are generally found where nature has 

 been most lavish in her offerings. After leaving the 

 Caloosahatchie telegraph station, and before reaching 

 the islands above Fort Thompson, we towed our spinners 

 astern, but soon tired of landing cavalli ranging from 

 five to fifteen pounds. Reaching Punta Rassa, we 

 steered across the Caloosa entrance, entered Matanzas 

 Pass, and proceeded southward toward the Erastro and 

 Corkscrew rivers. If time had permitted we would 



