MISCELLANEOUS INVESTIGATION IN FLORIDA. 
By CLARENCE B. Moore. 
Our archeological exploration in Florida, during the season of 1904, was 
unsatisfactory to a certain extent; but as it has ever been our wish to let no inves- 
tigation of ours pass unrecorded, we give a brief description of the season's work. 
THE KISSIMMEE REGION. 
The Kissimmee river, leaving the southern extremity of Lake Tohopekaliga, 
on which is the town of Kissimmee, flows through Cypress Lake and Lake Kissim- 
mee, and continues in a southerly course to Lake Okeechobee. А canal connects 
the south western side of Lake Okeechobee with Caloosahatchee river, which empties 
into San Carlos bay, an arm of the Gulf of Mexico. These geographic features are 
shown on maps of Florida, and are presented on the outline map accompanying this 
report, which shows also the scope of all our archeological work in that State. 
A few years ago it was possible, by the aid of certain canals, to make a jour- 
ney by water, in a steamer of light draught, from Lake Tohopekaliga to the Gulf. 
Recently, however, the canals had been neglected, and an extensive growth of water- 
weeds, miles in extent, had formed in Kissimmee river north of Lake Okeechobee ; 
in addition, a heavy dam! had been built across Caloosahatchee river, somewhat 
south of the lake. It was impossible, therefore, at the time of this exploration, for 
us to take our large, flat-bottomed steamer from the Gulf coast, where she lay, into 
the Kissimmee region. 
Mr. J. 8. Raybon, captain of our steamer, an expert in locating mounds, with 
a companion familiar with the territory, carefully traversed the region between 
Lakes Tohopekaliga and Okeechobee, inclusive. The report, however, was dis- 
couraging. Nowhere was there news of the discovery of earthenware vessels, 
and such few objects as were reported to have been found by the inhabitants were 
mainly of European make, and, perhaps, intrusive. 
Lake Okeechobee was reported to be surrounded by marsh, and to be without 
mounds. Nevertheless, we determined to explore the region, if possible, and for 
this purpose chartered a small steamer which took in tow a flat-boat on which 
quarters had been built for the use of our colored mound-diggers. 
After investigation of the mounds of Lake Tohopekaliga, which was practically 
without positive result, as the appended account will show, a severe accident 
occurred to our steam-boiler, which would have rendered the boat useless for a con- 
siderable time. No other boat being available, the investigation of the region was 
therefore abandoned. 
1 Since removed. 
