INTRODUCTION 



THE following pages are the result of ob- 

 servations and experiences in the wilds 

 of the lower part of Florida during more 

 than twenty years of residence in the 

 region. From 1882 till 1886 I made my home on 

 the southwest coast of the State and have lived 

 near Miami since 1902. When I first came to the 

 State the greater part of Lower Florida was an 

 unbroken wilderness, and during the time I have 

 been here I have quite thoroughly explored the 

 territory described in this volume both as a col- 

 lector and general naturalist. To-day most of its 

 hammocks are destroyed, the streams are being 

 dredged out and deepened, the Everglades are 

 nearly drained ; even the pine forests are being cut 

 down. At the time when I first resided in the 

 State flamingos, roseate spoonbills, scarlet ibises, 

 and the beautiful plumed herons were abundant. 

 Deer and otter could be seen at any time and the 

 west coast waters were alive with immense schools 



