A BACKWARD GLANCE. 41 



portation facilities were few and far between. But these 

 points were rapidly improving, and Florida was once more 

 striding forward when the unhappy civil war broke out, 

 and again her onward progress was checked. But not for 

 long. 



After three hundred and seventy years of playing foot- 

 ball to Spain, France, England, Indians, Florida is now 

 herself again, and is blossoming out into one of the most 

 noble, most beautiful flowers in the giant bouquet held by 

 Uncle Sam — the United States. 



In growth, in improvements, in developments, in possi- 

 bilities, Florida stands among the first and foremost. The 

 infant has awakened from her long sleep, a very giant of 

 wonders, and will yet be known as one of the wealthiest 

 among her many powerful sisters, as she will ever be the 

 fairest. 



