518 SCREVEN COUNTY. 



these burrow in the ground in a sloping direction, from 8 to 

 10 feet, into which the snake sometimes makes his way, and 

 both live together peaceably. 



Springs, Ponds. — There are a number of lime springs or 

 lakes in this county, particularly on Brier creek. The water 

 is of a bluish colour, and fish can be seen at the bottom. In 

 some places the water boils up. The waters have proved effi- 

 cacious in ulcers, itch, &c. Considerable quantities of lime 

 are made, equal to any Thomaston. Cypress ponds are nu- 

 merous. In the neighbourhood of Mr. Pearce's old place, there 

 is a natural sink, 60 feet deep, and perhaps the same in width, 

 in which shrubbery and pine trees are growing. 



Climate, Diseases, Longevity. — The climate is mode- 

 rate. The diseases are such as are usually prevalent in 

 lower Georgia. The pine lands afford a safe retreat during the 

 sickly months. The instances of longevity are Mr. John 

 Arnett, who lived to the age of 80 ; Michael Docherty was 

 supposed to have been 140 years old at the time of his death ; 

 Wm. Blackman, was over 80 ; Mrs. Jane Black, over 100 ; 

 Mr. Lanier, 80 ; Richard Scruggs, 80 ; Mr. Herrington, over 

 90; Mr. Abbott lived to an advanced age; Mrs. Lanier is 

 now alive, over 80 ; Mrs. Lourania Thrower died in this 

 county, on the 29th of March, 1849, at the age of 137. " She 

 was well acquainted with all that occurred during the old 

 French war, and the arrival of General Braddock in this 

 country, his defeat by the Indians, and of his death. She 

 recollected every particular in connection with, and dur- 

 ing the war, and before the war commenced. She was 

 blessed during her long life with remarkably good health. 

 She was hardly ever known to have any sickness, until 

 within a few years past, when her system became so en- 

 feebled with the infirmities of age, that she was helpless, but 

 she had no sickness other than that. Her eyesight never 

 failed her, excepting perhaps some three or four years, during 

 which time it became necessary for her to use spectacles, 

 which was about twenty years ago, when her sight return- 

 ed perfectly, and she could see as clear as ever she could. 

 She could thread a fine needle, or read the finest print ; her 

 sight continued good to the time of her death." 



