82 TME ENGLISH ANGLER IN FLORIDA vn 



Amongst tlie scraps which I cut out of the papers during 

 our sojourn in Florida was one which I here quote, not as 

 A Lake of ^" incident of sport, but as a curiosity of river 

 Fire. scenery at Fort Myers : — 



Many northern tourists go to Nassau to see the lake of fire or 

 phosphorescent lake, for which they pay the privilege fee of forty cents. 

 Now the phenomenon is so common at Fort Myers that it is seldom 

 ever thought of, and it is treated so passingly common that the atten- 

 tion of strangers is rarely ever called to it, when in fact it would be 

 one of the greatest attractions to them. The waters of the Caloosa- 

 hatchie, during the darkness of the night, are not infrequently seen 

 glowing with a phosphorescent light ; with every movement its waters 

 burst into brightness, and the refulgent waves appear like billows of 

 fire. The phenomenon is one of great beauty and magnificence. While 

 rowing a boat on a calm, dark night there will be a faint, delicate light 

 dripping from the oars, while, apparently, a streak of fire will follow 

 the boat. Fish can be plainly seen in the water, which makes them 

 easy victims of the " grains," and furnishes great amusement for the 

 lovers of piscatorial sport. Steamers plying the waters often drive 

 before their bows two billows of liquid phosphorus, and in their wake 

 they will be followed by a milky train, which makes a seething and 

 hissing noise. If in the dark it presents a splendid exhibition of 

 aquatic fireworks, looking as though a thousand living rockets were 

 seen shooting from the steamer in all directions, and whirling about in 

 flame-like paths, till the whole river will seem medallioned with fire. 



