JSfotices of the Florida, ^'c. 1 19 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



Art. XXI. — Knlices of the agriculture, scenery ^ geology , and 

 animal, vegetable and mineral productions of the Floridas, 

 and of the Indian Tribes, made during a recent tour^ in 

 these countries ^ by James Pierce, Esq. 



The territory of Florida, a recent and valuable acquisi- 

 tion to the United States, is situated at the southern ex- 

 tremity of the Continent, between the 25th and .31st de- 

 grees of north latitude, and contains about forty thousand 

 square nniles. Having been little explored, it has gene- 

 rally been regarded as wholly alluvial — a land of nnorasses 

 and sands ; but from recent personal examination, and in- 

 formation derived from intelligent gentlemen who have 

 passed through different sections of the country, it is ascer- 

 tained that extensive, elevated, and interesting secondary 

 districts, presenting peculiar features, are located in the 

 interior. 



* The following sketch of Mr. Pierce's tour is contained in a letter to tlie 

 Editor, dated Lilchfield, Nov. 19, 1824. 



'' I was about three months in Florida, during which time I made an exten 

 sive excursion into the interior, and examined a considerable section of the 

 sea-board. At the weekly meetings of the Agricultural Society of Florida, I 

 was able to obtain much correct information from the civil and military of- 

 ficers, and planters of the territory ; but for my notices on the geology and 

 mineralogy of the region I had to depend chiefly on my own observations. 

 Returning, I passed from Island to Island, visiting the principal towns and 

 plantations, and thus obtaining much information respecting soils, crops, 

 modes of cultivation, &c. I rode up the St.Mary's forty miles — passed a week 

 at the valuable Island of St. Simons, and the same length of time was pleas- 

 antly occupied at Savannah and Augusta. From Augusta I passed into 

 the hilly counties of Georgia, and slowly travelled in July through the 

 western counties of South and North Carolina, over a primitive country. 

 At Cartersville on the James river, I left the southern stage, and passed by 

 Monticello and the new University, over the Blue Ridge. Crossing the 

 wide limestone valley and a succession of eastern ranges ol the Alleghanies, 

 I visited the hot and other mineral springs, the natural bridge, and Wicr's 

 cave — and returned by Harpers' Ferry, and the best districts of Maryland 

 and Pennsylvania. 



