42 HOME LIFE IN FLOKIDA. 



CHAPTER III. 



CLIMATE. 



Going back to its Greek derivation, we find that the 

 word climata means literally, ' ' the slope of the earth from 

 the equator toward the pole." In its modern meaning it 

 signifies the condition of a place in relation to the various 

 phenomena of the atmosphere, as temperature, moisture, 

 and other properties of the same nature, which may either 

 directly or indirectly affect animal life and more notably 

 that of man. 



Florida has many, very many attractions, not fanciful 

 nor ephemeral, but real, solid, lasting, and amid them all 

 the brightest jewel in her crown of brilliant gems is her 

 climate. . The '' Italy of America" is a title frequently ap- 

 plied to our fair State, but those who know Italy, and 

 also know Florida, assert that the inference is very far 

 from flattering to the latter. While Italy and Southern 

 France enjoy a winter climate far milder than that of the 

 rest of Europe, still it is incomparably inferior to that of 

 Florida. And as to their spring time, here is what an 

 eminent physician, who has made the subject one of special 

 study, says of that, in concluding a winter contrast by 

 no means to the advantage of our trans-atlantic neighbors : 

 "I will say nothing of their spring, for no one who has 

 ever tried it, or. who has inquired of any reliable authority 

 about it, would trust himself there after the first of March. 

 Even in the most sheltered localities, as at Cannes and 

 Mentone, a change on one of the most pleasant days from 

 the sunny to the shady side of the street often produces a 

 shiver, and renders necessary for an invalid an extra cov- 

 ering. At sunset one must rush home and in-doors for his 



