342 



RECREATION. 



its boundaries all that Florida can boast of 

 mountains, is unknown. There is ridge 

 after ridge of almost pure white sand, cov- 

 ered with original growth of yellow pine, 

 with no undergrowth or logs to obstruct, 

 and literally filled with lakes and lakelets 

 of the purest and clearest water. It 



is a region as healthful as it is beautiful. 

 The climate is far superior to that on either 

 of the coasts and seems almost specific for 

 rheumatic afflictions, as many sufferers 

 testify. Willi glorious sunsets and the 

 pure, translucent tints of an Italian sky, 

 only possible in a perfect atmosphere, it is 

 an unfailing delight simply to live. 



There is fair shooting for the sportsman, 

 though not enough, perhaps, for the game 

 hog who wishes to exterminate. There 

 are deer, turkeys, wildcats, some ducks, 

 plenty of quails and snipe, rabbits, coons, 

 foxes, and fox squirrels. One need never 

 carry a too cold gun or fail to vary the 

 corn pone and sweet potatoes with the 

 contents of his own bag. Fashionable ho- 

 tels do not exist in this Utopia ; neither do 

 their prices prevail. Good milk, fresh 

 vegetables, pure air and water are the prin- 

 cipal articles of diet, if air may be so con- 

 sidered ; and to these must be added 

 fish that make your mouth water. Think 

 of n-pound black bass! I do not mean 

 the big ones which are never landed, but 

 the more singular ones which actually tip 

 the scales and come on to the table. 



There is another kind of sport in this 

 wild country which merits especial atten- 

 tion ; that is, to locate some moss-covered 

 ancient alligator, full of scars and just as 

 full of wisdom, which he has acquired 

 through frequent battles with the vindictive 

 Cracker. The Cracker looks on every 

 large alligator as the sepulchre of many 

 of his missing "hawgs," but when the alli- 

 gator grows old he becomes wary, and no 

 tyro can fire hunt him, nor can his scalp 

 be taken by ordinary pot shots. I have in 

 memory one hoary veteran, nearly 12 feet 

 long, which taxed my skill for 3 days, the 

 last day full of such palpitating excitement 

 as no deer hunter knows, before the 38-40 

 smashed his skull. 



Finally, there is no hardship in reach- 

 ing this modern Paradise. The palatial 

 service of the Southern Railroad Company 

 takes one swiftly and comfortably into its 

 very heart, and inquiry of any of its pas- 

 senger agents will elicit all the information 

 necessary for one's location in this de- 

 lightful region, far from fashion's bewil- 

 dering maze. 



We had great sport there all last winter, 

 and like the country and the people so well 

 we are going again this winter. 



If you are tired, or sick, or if you want 

 a quiet place to think, or if you want to 

 study nature, or shoot, or fish, go to 

 Florida. 



A PALMIST INTERRUPTED. 



"You will be married" — 



"Say, tell me the good things first." 



