TRAVELS IN 
The company for Alachua were to fet off in 
about a month ; that to Little St. Juan, in July, 
which fuited me exceedingly well, as I might make 
my tour to the upper ftore directly, that part of the 
country being at this feafon enrobed in its richefl 
and gayeft apparel. 
About the middle of May, every thing being in 
readinefs to proceed up the river, we fat fail. The 
traders with their goods in a large boat went a- 
head, and myfelf in my little veffel followed them ; 
and as their boat was large, and deeply laden, I 
found that I could eafily keep up with them, and, if 
I chofe, out-fail them ; but I preferred keeping them 
company, as well for the fake of collecting what I 
could from converfation, as on account of my 
fafety in crofting the great lake, expecting to 
return alone, and defcend the river at my own 
leifure. 
We had a pleafant day, the wind fair and mode- 
rate, and ran by Mount Hope, fo named by my fa- 
ther John Bartram, when he afcended this river, 
about fifteen years ago. It is a very high fhelly bluff, 
upon the little lake. It was at that time a fine 
Orange grove, but now cleared and converted into a 
large indigo plantation, the property of an Englifh 
gentleman, under the care of an agent. In the 
evening we arrived at Mount Royal, where we came 
to, and flayed all night : we were treated with great 
civility, by a gentleman whofc name was 
Kean, and who had been an Indian trader. 
From this place we enjoyed a mod enchanting 
profpect of the great Lake George, through a grand 
avenue, if I may fo term this narrow reach of the 
river, which widens gradually for about two miles, 
towards 
