KORTH AMERICA. 
249 
We fat off early next morning, and foon after 
falling into the trading path, accomplished about 
twenty miles of our journey ; and in the evening 
encamped as ufual, near the banks of favannas and 
ponds, for the benefit of water and accommodations 
of pafture for our creatures. Next day we paffed 
over part of the great and beautiful Alachua Savan- 
na, whofe exuberant green meadows, with the fer- 
tile hills which immediately encircle it, would, if 
peopled and cultivated after the manner of the ci- 
vilized countries of Europe, without crowding or 
incommoding families, at a moderate eftimation, 
accommodate in the happier! manner above one 
hundred thoufand human inhabitants, befides mil- 
lions of domeftic animals ; and I make no doubt 
this place will at lb me future day be one of the moil 
populous and delightful feats on earth. 
We came to camp in the evening, on the banks 
-of a creek but a few miles diflance from Cufcowil- 
la ; and two days more moderate travelling brought 
us fafe back again to the lower trading-houfe, on 
St. Juan, having been bleffed with health and a 
profperous journey. 
On my arrival at the (lores, I was happy to find 
all well as we had left them ; and our bringing with 
us friendly talks from the Siminole towns, and the 
Nation likewife, completed the hopes and wifhes 
of the trading company, with refpecl to their com- 
mercial concerns with the Indians, which, as the 
cheering light of the fun-beams after a dark tem- 
pefluous night, diff&fed joy and conviviality through- 
out the little community, where were a number of 
men with their families, who had been put out of 
employment and fuhfiftence, anxioufly waiting the 
happy event. 
CHAP. 
