326 SOUTH-WEST FLORIDA. 



istcnce of deer tracks in every direction. We hoisted 

 sail ancl steered a course for the northern end of Tampa 

 Biy, where we found the bay to diminish in width, and 

 assume the appearance of a river. On our left, the shore 

 of the sea island varied from six to ten feet high, and on 

 right, or main land side, mud and grassy flats were fre 

 quently passed, and these were literally covered with 

 ducks, snipe, and curlews. As we approached the head 

 of Clear Water Harbor we found the passage to become 

 very narrow, and ultimately end in a shallow mud-flat, 

 where the Spray grounded. The tide was ebbing, so we 

 deemed it best to apply a muscular breeze and reach 

 deep water. Harry pulled at the cable, ancl Frank and 

 I applied ourselves to the stern of the boat, and in this 

 way we worked her for two hundred yards in less than 

 one foot of water. Soon after reaching Clear Water 

 Harbor we sighted Mrs. Teemer s residence, and landed. 

 From Mrs. T. we purchased a supply of the largest and 

 most delicious oranges to be obtained on the south-west 

 coast, It was the Sabbath when we reached the dock, at 

 the first store in the harbor, and we deemed it advisable 

 to secure a supply of crackers. We visited the store, 

 and the old fellow who kept it being religiously inclined, 

 at first positively refused to sell us anything to eat, but 

 when I assured him that we were in want he opened his 

 heart and consented to sell us enough to last until morn 

 ing. I engaged him in conversation regarding oranges, 

 climate, soil, and the advantages and resources of the 

 locality, and before I left purchased all his soda and 

 sugar crackers. My clothing was anything but attrac 

 tive, but when the sanctimonious old gentleman saw me 

 open my pocket-book, and noticed that it contained the 

 sinews of war, his Christian prejudices melted like ice in 



