CHAPTEE XVI 



FLORIDA AS IT WAS 



Audubon entered Florida as if it were a land of en- 

 chantment. The palmy peninsula, which was created as one 

 might almost say by neither the Divinity nor man, but by 

 the coral insects, has ever been a land of enchantment, but 

 always most beautiful in the winter months. To exist in 

 these balmy airs of Florida in winter is to enjoy life in 

 luxurious fulness. 



In the woodlands the gray mosses wave in the mellow 

 gulf winds, the jasmines and the wild orange fill the air 

 with odor, and the pine barrens are melodious with mock- 

 ing-birds' songs. 



In Audubon's time the rivers were full of alligators, 

 and the white ibises streamed through the air at this 

 period of solitude. The Seminole Indian roamed there 

 at will. The woods were full of rare birds and of 



game. 



Audubon was now at the height of his great popularity. 



The Government was glad to do him honor, and to make 



easy his researches. States welcomed him as a benefactor. 



The heart of the country went with him into the ham-, 



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