118 HOME LIFE IN FLORIDA. 



" bit of land" as " a right smart chance better" for the pur- 

 pose desired than any other tract thereabouts ; and so this 

 narrow, false-hearted, mistaken policy runs along the line, 

 with of course here and there ' ' the exception that proves 

 the rule." 



An amusing and instructive case in point was brought 

 to our notice only a short time ago. A stranger, a man of 

 wealth, energy, and intelligence — such a^ one as Florida 

 most needs to develop her immense latent powers — agreed 

 to purchase a certain piece of land, if, on seeing it, he found 

 it as represented. Well, he saw the land, and was thor- 

 oughly satisfied ; shortly thereafter he was accosted by a 

 man living close by : 



*' Ho ! stranger, I reckon you 're the man as 'lows to buy 

 Chris Brown's land, eh ? " 



" Yes ; it's a fine place, is n't it ? " 



Neighbor A, as we will call him, took off his cap, rubbed 

 his head thoughtfully, looked up at the sky, then down at 

 the stranger : 



" I don't like to go agin a neighbor, ye know," he said 

 slowly, with a significant wink. 



'' Why, what is the matter? Isn't it good land?" 



* ' Well, that's as you takes hit ; 'taint no good for cotton 

 nor cane." 



*' I want it for oranges, lemons." 



"Then hits as you find hit; 'taint never been tried. I 

 know'd a man as 'clared he could play a flute ; did n't know 

 he could n't till he'd tried, you see, and then he just squeaked 

 awful — was n't no good." 



" But why do you think it is not fit for oranges?" 



*' Did n't say it twarent, stranger ! I aint 'goin' to be on- 

 neighborly like, only I 'lows as wild oranges aint found 

 only in swammocks, as that 'ud be the fittenest place for 

 the sweet uns ! " 



