FOREST AND STREAM 
121 
From these reservoirs vessels often obtain supplies of water 
peculiarly sweet and agreeable. 
The icebergs which coast along the shores of Newfound- 
land have a course of not less than 2,000 miles from the 
place of their birth to that of their dissolution. They are 
entirely of land formation, and consist of partially dis- 
solved snow frozen. The huge glaciers along the coasts of 
Greculuml, which project their masses into the fiords, are 
the parents of the icebergs. From the seaward face of the 
glucier, us it is pushed farther and farther into deep water 
l.v the pressuro behind, masses arc detached by fracture 
which flout off as bergs. They often bear, embedded in 
their substance, clay boulders and great fragments of rock 
lorn from the sides of the Greenland hills, and drop these 
ns they melt at the bottom of the sea, or on the sub marine 
banks of Newfoundland, thus helping to build new isles 
and continents. 
— 
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA— NO. 3. 
BF.INO NOTES OK A TOOK OK EXPLORATION— BY OUR OWN 
COMMISSIONER. 
I N my last communication I referred to a spade as a por- 
tion of our outfit, and mentioned the fact that a supply 
of fresh water could be obtaiued at the fish rancho on the 
northern end of Lacosla Islaud. To the tourist, a supply 
of fresh water is indispeusable, and if his boat is small the 
quantity carried must be limited, and how to obtaiued a sup- 
ply is an important matter. Nearly all the islands and keys 
are supplied with fresh water, and the tourist will bo in- 
formed that this indispensable fluid “cuu be obtained al- 
most anywhere on the islands or keys by digging a hole 
near the beach." Water of fair quality cau be obtained on 
most of the islands and keys if the proper site is selected 
for the well. In digging for water, the experienced invari- 
hly select a locality where there are no mangrove bushes, 
for wherever this growth is found, water will be impreg- 
nated with salt. On the bay side of most of the islands 
and main laud a low growing bush or tree will be found 
with circular shaped leaves four inches wide, and the 
searcher for fresh water should prospect near this growth, 
as fresh water will generally be found near the surface. 
We dug a well on the northern end of Little Cusparillu, 
forty feet from the beach, and curbed it with an empty 
barrel we picked up on the beach. From half flood until 
half ebb the water was very salt, but at low tide we found 
it palatable. After finishing *ur well, we explored the is- 
land, and found about its centre a lagoon several liuudred 
yards in length, containing excellent water. 
From the fish ranche on the eastern end of Lacosta Is- 
land, we started across southeast by south three miles, and 
found ourselves abreast of the northern end of Useppa Is- 
land. At 6 P. M- we landed on the eastern side of the 
island at the foot of a large shell mound. To the south of 
the largo mound we found two wells of excellent water, and 
on the north side some very large figs with a full supply of 
superior limes. Searching farther we discovered a luxuri- 
ous banana patch, but the fruit was not ripe. This island is 
over one mile in length and one third of a mile in width at 
the widest point. In the centre of the island, will be 
found several large shell mounds, the largest about sixty 
feet. high. The southern extremity of the island is covered 
with live oak and mangrove trees. From the mounds to 
the northern end the island is clothed with a luxuriant 
growth of live oak and palms, and is the highest land to 
be found on any of the coast islands south of Cedar Keys. 
In front of the mounds deep water will be found within a 
few yards of the shore. This island had been the homo of 
a couple for several years, but as the female part of the 
population deemed it proper to elope with a fisherman, 
the masculine portion became guilty ©f arson and retired 
from the beautiful island of Useppa, leaving behind him 
some bricks, charcoal, and the remains of a cooking stove. 
This island is distant two miles from the Gulf, from which 
it is separated and protected by Lacosta Island; dis- 
tance to the main land, fifteen miles. Owing to its climatic 
advantages, elevation of the land, and protected situation, 
it is the most eligible site for a Sanitarium iu the South. 
Frost is unknown, and before the chilly northwest wind 
can reacli the island, it becomes temperate by crossing the 
warm waters of the harbor for a distance of twenty miles. 
In this section the much to be dreaded northeasters of the 
coast, do not bring rain, and have none of that searching 
chilly nature that characterizes them on the Atlantic side. 
Useppa is truly the winter home for the invalid suffering 
from pulmonary disease— excelling in climatic advantages 
Bermuda, Nice or Madeira. We predict that the day is 
not far distant when a large hotel will grace the shell 
mound on this island, and invalids in hundreds will inhale 
a life restoring atmosphere unequalled by that of any part of 
the world. The Winter season in this section is remarkable 
for the small amount of rain and the equable temperature. 
At Punta Rassa twenty miles north of Useppa, at a much 
less favored portion, the highest range of the thermometer 
for the years of ’72. '73, and ’74, was 95, and the lowest 40. 
The observers stationed at the Punta Rassa favored me 
with the range of the thermometer for the year 1874, and 
I shall merely give the highest and lowest ranges for the 
various months : — 
nigheat. 
- . . ..7i 
Lowest. 1 
4 J July 
Highest. 
Lowesb 
70 
. m 
50| August 
...85 
■55 1 September 
April 
87 
55 October... 
59 November 
. 82 
June 
.91 
70| December. 
80 
... *9 
June — 
We spent several weeks at Charlotte Harbor and the 
Caloosahatchie River, &n4 did not jee a drop of rain during 
that period; and found the climate invigorating and de- 
lightful. This section of the State is not nffectcd by 
those sudden transitions of temperature which are so un- 
pleasant further north, or on the Atlnnlic coast. For the 
sportsman Useppa offers many attractions, as the neighbor- 
ing oyster reefs ami low islands are frequented by count- 
less numbers of snipe; the ail joining islands arc well stock 
ed with deer, and the waters of the bay teem with fish of 
a superior quality. On our return we called at lids island 
to secure a supply of water. I engaged in capturing a 
mess offish, anil in a short time with fiddlers for halt, 
landed the following: cavalli, sheepheud, red aud black 
grouper, porgy, sen bass, angel fish, and cattish. 
Soon after our arrival at Useppa, a fishing sclioouer 
named the “Breaker," came to an anchor, and we boarded 
her, as we fancied we might patch up some information. 
The Cupluin was named William Smart, and resided at 
Key West, lie had been navigatiug the Southwest coast for 
twenty-seven years, and appeared thoroughly posted with 
regard to every island, key, channel, pass, bay, creek, river 
and shoal on the coast. During the survey of Charlotte 
Harbor lie had been engaged in the capacity of pilot, and 
during the last Indian war lie was employed in the Quar- 
termaster’s Department. IIo iuformed me that lie owned 
a fast sailing sloop of five tons measurement, in every way 
adupted to the navigation of the Southwest coast. He 
staled that lie would fit her up, so as to comfortably accom- 
modate u parly of six sportsmen; supply stove and cooking 
ulensels, and two Mystic built skiffs. lie and his son (an 
intelligent youth of sixteen,) would sail the craft, cook and 
render themselves generally useful. For all this fit-out ami 
services, the Captain would charge four dollars per day. 
One great recommendation in my estimation, is the fact 
that Captain Smart is a teetotaller. A parly of four or six 
could charier this craft, take steamer ul New York, and on 
arrival at Key West take possession. The tourist could 
visit the keys, islands, bays, capes, rivers, creeks, harbors, 
passes and main land— in fact all the more important hunt- 
ing and fishing points between Key West and Cedar Keys — 
when the party could take the cars for home. Having hud 
a limited experience of climate and hunting and fishing on 
the Southwest coast, 1 wish to continue it, and would only 
be too happy to join from three to five congeniul spirits iu 
the Fall of 1875 to charter the sloop referred to, and do up 
in a thorough maimer sections that I have merely pros- 
pected, and others that I have not visited. 
Leaving the fishing ranche on the north end of Lncostu 
Island, and steering a course northeast by east, eight miles, 
a deep hay without islands, shoals, or mud banks will open 
up. From this point a course north by west, twelve miles, 
will reveul the broad entrance to Peas Creek, which stream 
can be asceuded for eighty miles. Reliable parlies who 
have visited and who reside upou this stream, have assured 
me that its banks present a fine field for deer and turkey 
hunliug. Crossing the head of the bay, six miles in a west- 
erly direction from Peas Creek, the Myokka River will 
open up. From statements received I have reason to be- 
lieve that the Myokka is the home of the alligator, the 
place where the big fellows live, exist, aud have their 
being. The limited time at our disposal would not admit 
of our visiting these attractive streams, but we hope at 
some future lime to examiue them and perforate a few of 
those gigantic sauriaus. 
Leaving Useppa a course southeast by cost must he 
steered until the southwest portion of Pine Island is abeam 
aud distant one mile, then east by north until Punta Rassa 
bears north by east three quarlers of a mile. From this 
point a northerly course will bring the dock nt the tele 
graph station. Leaving Useppa four miles astern we sight- 
ed a small “coon oyster" island. It presented a singular 
appearance, and an examination with a glass revealed the 
fact that it was literally covered with snipe. Four shots 
furnished us with more than enough for an extensive snipe 
slew, and an examination of them revealed the fact that 
we had bagged six distinct species. The tide was low and 
the island was surrounded by au extensive mud flat mixed 
with broken shells. The shallow wuler was literally alive 
with sheepheed, weakflsh, redflsh, pompano, cavalli, grou- 
per, &c. In the deeper water there roamed dozens of vo- 
racious sharks, who in pursuit of their prey would venture 
into the shallow water until a portion of their bodies was 
exposed. Frank amused himself for over an hour in the 
water and mud hunting sharks with a shot gun. TLey ap- 
peared to be unacquainted with man, and exhibited no fear. 
They were so intent upon securing a meal that they could 
lie approached within a few feet. Desirous of reaching 
our goal we reluctantly left this piscatorial paradise, and 
made sail for Puntu Rassa, where we arrived on the even- 
ing of the 24th of December and telegraphed to loved ones 
— “Complimentj of the season. All well. Depart for in- 
terior to-morrow.” Al Fresco. 
The New Sdrvey.— We are indebted to Lieut. Geo. M. 
Wheeler of the engineer corps U. S. A. for a copy of his 
report upon the Geographical and Geological explorations 
and surveys west of the one hundredth meridian, together 
with the accompanying maps. As the explorations of 
Lieut. Wheeler embraced the country traversed by the 
wonderful caflon of the Coloroda, as well as other regions 
heretofore almost "terras incognita*." the additions to our 
knowledge of the conditions and resources of our country 
are almost incalculable. In fact the labors of this gallant 
offioer have brought him prominently before the general 
public for several years past, and a cqpimon subject of re, 
mark is, “why is be Mill Lieutenant.” 
The Connecticut State Association koh the Pro- 
tection ok Fisii and Game. — At the annual meeting of 
the Hartford Game Club, held on the 23d nil , the repre- 
sentatives present formed themselves into an Association 
with the above title. A constitution and bye-laws, founded 
mainly on those of the Ohio State Society, were ndoplud, 
and the following geutlomeu elected as officers Hon. 
F W. Russell, of Hertford, President; Johnson T. 
Platt, of New Haven, aud A. (.’. llohbs, of Bridge- 
port, Vice-Presidents; .1, S. Parsons, of Hartford, Sec- 
retary; Dr. Win. M. Hudson, of Hartford, Treasurer. Tlio 
following delegate", were appointed to the national con- 
vention to he hold at Cleveland, Ohio, iu June —II. T. 
Houghton, Wulorbury; \Y. F. Parker, West Meriden; A 
Noble, Bridgeport; Henry 11. Harrison, New Haven; 
P W Runoll, Hartford The Pn Idcnt, Hon P \s 
Russell, announced the following committee' -Oil Rules 
and Regulations and Game Law- -Hon. II C. Robinson, 
Hartford; John W. Webster, Wutorliury; A. (’. Hobbs, 
Bridgeport. On Fish Culture Rev. 10. L. Wells, South 
port; Hon. Henry II. Harrison, New Haven; R. (). Cheney, 
South Manchester. Some lime was spent Iu the discussion 
of matters of interest to the association, S iring anlpu 
shooting, woodcock hunting, snaring game, and the pro- 
tection of fish. The farmers of the State were invited by 
vote, to assist the association in securing its objects by co- 
operation witli them. 
How to Prevent Garbles* Hanoi. ink ok Firearm*. 
— The Ohio Legislature has passed a sensible law to tlio 
effect that any person who intentionally, without malice, 
shall point or aim any firearm at any person, shall tin 
guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction pay u lino 
of not more than five, or less than fifty dollars; and any 
person who shall discharge, without injury to any other 
person, any firearm while so aimed, shall be liubfo to u 
line of one hundred dollars, or imprisonment for three 
months, or both; and any person so injuring or maiming 
another person, without malice, shall be lined fifty dollars 
and imprisoned for two years. We have long advocated 
the passage of an ucl of this description and trust that tlio 
Legislators of Other States will follow the example of their 
brothern of Ohio. The careless handling of II rearms Is tlio 
fruitful cause of accident, and the most severe punish- 
ment should follow its practice. The old excuse, “I 
thought it was unloaded," comes loo late to suvo tlio 
victim, and the only remedy for tlio evil is to let it carry so. 
heavy a penally as to check it entirely. 
—We arc glad to learn that Dr. Ordway, President of 
the Massachusetts Anglers’ Association, is improving from 
ilia late railroad accident. 
LIST OF ACTS 
Rbcatino to Fisii and (Sauk, now Pevihno iibboiib tub Amrnm.y 
or Tins Stat*. 
An Act making II unlawful to eutcli dull of nuy description. from Ton 
awnnda Crciik In tins counties of Wyoming nnd Soncca. for ftvo year* 
from (ho passage of tho act. 
Forbidding tho catching of fl»h from Cliualanqtia Lake tmtwcou 
the l«t of Dccoinbor anil 80th of May. 
Prohibiting all Ashing In Cayugu county, oicopt with hook ami line. 
Prohibiting Ashing la Oak Orchard Crock, Iu (ho counties of Ucnosoo 
and Orleans, save with hook mid lino. 
Amending Chapter 731 of tho Laws of IK7l.li> prevent ►lomling wild 
goose, brant, or duck from any boa', or vessel, except upon tlio waters of 
Chautauqua Lake. 
Amending the ahovo Chapter, and prolilblllng Hi- shooting of any 
goose, wild duck, or brant between tlio ISlh of May uni 1st of October. 
Also making tho close tltno for quail from January 1st to October 1st 
Also making the close time for ruffod and pinnated grouse from January 
1st to Octohur 20th 
Prohibiting all fishing, save with hook and lino. In Honeoyu, Monaco, 
or Canandiilgiia Lukes, or tu their Inlets or outlets, or In any rivers, lakes 
or streams wholly or partly III the counties of Schuyler, Steuben, Seneca. 
Chemung. Yates, Tompkins, or Ontario 
Prohibiting tho catching of Osh. suvo with hook and line, In Findlay’s 
and Chautauqua Lake. 
Prohibiting Ashing within eighty rods of any Ashway established 
by tile Stale. 
Protecting Ash In Ocncseo Itlver, Alleghany county, between May 1st, 
1875, nnd March 1st, 1878. 
Prohibiting the use of pound nets In Hu- waters of tho (1 rest South 
Oyster Hay or Long Island, under penalty of fft 
Protecting shud in ihe Hudson River bolwoon tho 10th of June and 
10th of March. 
Prohibiting the catching of IMi In Summer lllll Luke, Cayuga 
county, for two years, and subsequently between January 1st and May 
1st for ten years 
Including 81. Lawrence county In Ihe law relating to deer. 
permitting the catching of Osh In Onondaga and Omddo Lukes by net 
and seine from September 1st U) January 1st. 
Prohibiting the use of fykes or set nets, or net* of any kind, In tho 
north and sooth ponds of Little bnndy Creek. Oswego comity, for a pc 
rlod of Ave years. 
Prohibiting the taking of Ash by any weans from Hoffman pond, In 
the town of Claverock, Columbia county, for two years 
Altering the low of 1871 a* regards Otsego Lake, by making the close 
lime ns regards seines nnd nets, from July 1st to September 30th, In- 
stead of March 1st to August 3l«t. 
All the above Acts have been read twice, reported favorably upon by 
the Committee on Internal Affairs, and referred to llic Committee of the 
Whole. 
The game laws of Mnloo hnvo been so amended ns to prohibit tho kill- 
ing of moose before October I si. The law of 1*71 regarding Osh has 
been so amended ss not lo apply to ihe St. Croix River. 
NOTES FROM FLORIDA. 
St. Atroovrors, Fla., March 2 A, JN75 
EiiiTon Pokiest and Stiiba*:- 
If I remember correctly. I promised to send a few particulars of the 
grand yiicbt race held here recently, but failed to do so, principally for 
the want of time. I noticed, however, that the Fohe»t and Sines* 
contained a very good account of tho day 's sport The yacht clubs havo 
had numerous races, but tho season Is about over now. Travelers uro 
beginning to go northward, and in a few weeks tiling* In Florida will be 
quiet. A* a matter of Information, would say that the H E. Lee I'm* 
