98 FLORIDA: ITS CLIMATE, SOIL, PRODUCTIONS, ETC 



causing the trees of the Citrus family to flourish even during protracted 

 droughts which in the North would destroy every living thing. 



There is a great demand for a government experiment station in Florida, 

 which would be of incalculable service in showing the people what can 

 be raised here and the best methods of culture. 



The tea plants sent to this State by the Department of Agriculture 

 have not received proper care ; but the few that have survived the neg- 

 lect demonstrate the fact that tea can be grown here successfully by 

 intelligent culture. 



It is believed by thoughtful men that many tropical products can be 

 raised here in sufficient quantity to save to the nation many millions of 

 dollars annually which are now sent to foreign countries. I refer espe- 

 cially to tea, coffee, sugar, silk, and the many articles of commerce now 

 imported from the Indies, China, and Japan. 



Colored laborers are hired here at wages averaging about $1 per day, 

 without board. 



Orange trees four years from the seed and one year from the bud will 

 bear fruit in from three to four years. 



Orange trees can be bought at prices ranging from twenty-five to 

 seventy-five cents each, and they should be set out during the months 

 of November, December, or January. 



Lemon trees bear fruit in four years from the setting. 



Bananas are produced in eighteen months from the setting, and rijien 

 from June to December. 



The transportation ! of a box of oranges from Sanford to New York 

 costs about 45 cents. 



It is a curious fact that while oranges begin to ripen in October, they 

 may be left upon the tree without material deterioration for twelve 

 months after they are ready for use. 



Hoping this report may be of service to the most important of all our 

 government departments, as well as to the interests of agriculture at 

 large, 



I remain yours, very truly, 



JAMES H. FOSS. 



