OF THE UNITED STATES 
387 
the increase. Such meager details as it is practicable to intro- 
duce into this article but poorly express tbe actual experience. 
At Tampa during December, 1895, and January and February, 
1896, the following observations were made : Maximum, for the 
period observed, 80° ; minimum, 32°; mean, 59° ; greatest daily 
range, 32° ; average number of clear days per month, 12 ; of 
partly cloudy, 12; of cloudy, 6. At Jacksonville for the same 
period: Maximum, 80°; minimum, 24°; mean, 55°; greatest 
daily range, 41° ; clear days, 15 ; partly cloudy, 9 ; cloudy, 6. 
At Jupiter for the same period : Maximum, 83° ; minimum, 37° ; 
mean, 63° ; greatest daily range, 24° ; clear days, 8 ; partly cloudy, 
13, and cloud}'-, 9. These figures show that the climate becomes 
more ecpiable as you go southward. This is equally true of the 
coasts and of the interior, the winter climate of the lake region 
being of great equability. 
For all varieties of pulmonary disease the middle region is a 
genial sanitarium. The east coast particularly affords relief for 
all forms of what is called “ americanitis ” or nerve exhaustion. 
That the climate is eminently suited either for rest or for in- 
creased mental activity and labor I can bear personal testimony. 
It is the climate par excellence for the student. 
In INIarcb, 1892, Mr James E. Ingraham conceived the idea of, 
and at once proceeded to organize, an expedition for the ex])lo- 
ration of tbe Everglades. The expedition experienced the 
greatest hardships, but its object was accomplished, and it is 
chief!}' to its records that I am indebted for the following de- 
scription. 
The Everglades consist of two great basins lying between lake 
Okeecliobee and the extreme southern point of tbe peninsula. 
The floor and rim of these basins are formed of a limestone 
which is doubtle.ss a continuation of the rock composing tbe 
central ridge or backbone of tbe state. On tbe edges or rim 
where tbe rock is ex[)osed it i)resents a very singular appeai'ancc. 
Here it is weathered and water-worn into the })cculiar shapes 
which gave rise to the early opinion that Florida was of coralino 
formation. The pre.ssure of the Hoods of water pouring over the 
sides or through the edges of this rim has worn away the softer 
portions of tbe rock, leaving tbe barder sul)sta.nce to present a 
soniewbat coral-like structure. 4'be color varies from cream to 
dark l»r<;wn, owing to tbe black water, so called, wbieb issues 
from tbe gbules. This rock not only i)crsists tbrougbout tbe 
