Florida Swamps and Forests 
out to sea among the keys. These sea alli- 
gators are the largest and most ferocious, and 
sometimes attack people by trying to strike 
them with their tails when they are out fishing 
in boats. 
“Another thing I wish you to see,” he con- 
tinued, “is a palmetto grove on a rich hum- 
mock a few miles from here. The grove is 
about seven miles in length by three in breadth. 
The ground is covered with long grass, unin- 
terrupted with bushes or other trees. It is the 
finest grove of palmettos I have ever seen and 
I have oftentimes thought that it would make 
a fine subject for an artist.” 
I concluded to stop — more to see this won- 
derful palmetto hummock than to hunt. Be- 
sides, I was weary and the prospect of getting 
a little rest was a tempting consideration after 
so many restless nights and long, hard walks 
by day. 
October 21. Having outlived the sangui- 
nary hunters’ tales of my loquacious host, and 
breakfasted sumptuously on fresh venison and 
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