68 



THE COAST OF 



FLORIDA. 



THIS name was given by the Spaniards to all that part of the conti- 

 nent lying north of the gulph of Mexico, and bordering on the Allan- 

 tic ocean to the eall. 



Florida Proper is, at prefent, that penlnfula lying between Georgia 

 and Cape Florida. The air of this region is pure and temperate, and the 

 country in general, healthy. It is more fubjed to heat than cold, being only 

 a few degrees north of the tropic of Cancer ; but though the former is fome- 

 times very great, it is much tempered at times by the fca-breezes. The 

 country abounds with all forts of timber, but the tree moft valued in this 

 country is faflafras, called by the natives of Florida, palama ox pavafna , large 

 quandties of which are exported annually from hence. It never rifes 

 to a greater height than a fmall pine, growing both on the fhore, and on the 

 mountaiiis ; but always in a foil neither very dry, nor very moift. The 

 Spaniards of San Matheo, and St. Augujiine, having been almoU; every ore 

 feized with fevers, from the ufe of bad food and muddy water, were told by the 

 French to take fallafras in the fame manner as diey had feen it ufed by the fa- 

 vages: that is to cut the root into fmall pieces, - ^ boil it in water; having done 

 which, and drinking the liquor fading, and at their meals, they found it per- 

 fedlly cured them. Several other experiments have been made with it ; and, if 

 we may believe them, there is hardly any malady which can withftand the effi- 

 cacy of this drink. It was their fole remedy, and univerfal prefervative, in Flo- 

 rida-y but when they are fhort of provifions they do not ufe it, becaufe it would 

 create an eager appetite, ftill more infupportable than any diforder v/hatever. 

 They add, that faflafras is an admirable fpecific againfl the venereal di- 

 ftemper. 



The many rivers with which Florida is watered, not only abound with fifh, 

 but render it inferior to no country, eicher in pleafantnefs or fertiliry. The 

 coaft indeed is fandy ; but a htcie further frcm the fea, the foil is lo good as 

 to yield all forts of grain. Almofl every where they have two crops of 



Indian 



