FOREST AND STREAM. 
171 
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA— NO. 0. 
BEIXO NOTES OF A TOUR OF EXPLORATION — BY OUR OWN 
COMMISSIONER. 
T HE annual raiu fall of Southwest Florida is about 
sixty-five inches, but during the year 1874 the amount 
was but a fraction over thirty-one inches. In consequence 
the river (Caloosahatchie) was nearly two feet lower than 
ever before known. Under ordinary conditions the river 
can be navigated to the rapids by a stern wheeler with a 
light draft of water. Above the Caloosahatchie telegragh 
station the wauderer cau at all times fill his frying pan 
with luscious trout, (bass.) Before leaving Philadelphia 
Shipley & Son made for us an eighteen foot bamboo rod, 
which we found admirably adapted to fishing in the streams 
visited: With such a rod and a few feet of line, the pis- 
cator can fish around the tops, fallen logs and lily pads, 
without any danger of fouling his bob or spinner. 
As we were anxious to reach the rapids at Fort Thomp- 
son, the rising sun found us moving. Harry was aft using 
the setting pole, and Frank and I manufactured an ashen 
breeze. Then we ascended the tortuous channel until 
night. Soon arter camping we fancied that we heard a 
dog bark, and having seen no chasing, or evidence of 
settlement after leaving hospitable “Jer3eydom," we were 
anxious to obtain information regarding our whereabouts. 
To attract attention, I discharged my gun, and Frank fol- 
lowed with Jus revolver. We listened, but no answer was 
returned. Early next morning my attention was attracted 
by the cracking of brush, and on looking shoreward, I 
noticed a white man peeping through the bushes. I hailed 
him, and ou enquiry ascertained that his name was Cross, 
and that he had recently settled ou a point a short distance 
above. He stated that he had heard the report of our fire- 
arms, but fancied “that it was the accursed Indians shoot 
ing, and in consequence he had not slept during the night." 
He expressed it as his opinion “that they would rise, and 
that another Indian war was in prospect." He favored us 
with his views of the “pesky critters,” aud assured us 
that they were a lazy, dirty, treacherous and thieving lot, 
and that the whole race should be exterminated.” Our 
visitor informed us that the Iudian cump at Fort Thomp- 
son’was distant three miles by land and nine by the course 
of the river. Wo bade our friend good bye, and applied 
our muscles to oars and setting pole. He preceded us by 
land, and unwisely informed the Indians that some white 
men were coming up the river, armed with sixteen shooting 
guns, with the intention of exterminating all the Indians 
about Lake Okeechobee. At 9 A, M. we grounded the bow 
of the good boat "Spray" on the northern bank of the 
river below the falls. A few minutes afterwards we dis- 
covered four Indians approaching, armed with rifles aud 
long butcher knives. From thair manner we fancied that 
there was a “screw loose in their celestial machinery." 
As they neared the boat I landed and shook hands with all. 
To my surprise they manifested sullenness, and an indispo- 
sition to be friendly or communicative. Soon'af ter a squaw 
and several young feminine representatives of poor Lo ap- 
proached, to whom I presented ear rings, beads and breast- 
pins, costing $1 per half dozen sets. These presents ex- 
erted a happy influence, and the masculine Los expressed a 
wish to inspect our firearms. We exhibited our breech 
loading arms and ammunition, which seemed to surprise 
them. All seemed to be new to them, and they expressed 
their surprise by remarking, “Indian’s rifles holvwagus " 
(no good.) 
An examination of Drew’s and Colton’s maps will show 
a large lake existing at Fort Thompson, and another some 
miles east named Hickpockee. These bodies of water only 
exist in the imaginations of map-makers. As far as South- 
west Florida is concerned, maps are to a great extent un- 
reliable and calculated to mislead tourists. Fort Thomp- 
son was a large aud important station during the Indian 
wars, but at present only a few decayed stubs exist to in- 
dicate where a stockade onco protected scores of valiant 
men. Surrouuding the falls, a rich prairie of 500 acres ex- 
ists, covered with a luxurious growth of succulent and 
nutritious grasses— the site of a lake, according to the un- 
reliable map-makers. We instituted many enquiries of 
Indians, settlers and cattle drivers regarding Lake Hick- 
pockee, but all scouted the idea of its existence. On the 
north side of the river, and about 600 feet therefrom a 
grove of huge live oaks exists, under whose protecting 
branches the Indians encamp during the Winter months 
when on their annual hunt. The region is underlaid with 
a horizontal stratum of hard limestone rock from twelve to 
eighteen inches thick, and beneath this a softer stratum 
containing an immense number of shells. The river has 
worn a passage through the -hard superficial layer of rock 
at this point, f irming the rapids or falls of the Caloosahat- 
chie River. We found the water to fall about five feet in 
two hundred. The channel at the rapids is about fifteen 
feet wide, and within a few inches of tho surface we dis- 
covered numerous sharp-pointed rocks, over which we 
found it impossible to drag the “Spray" to the deep and 
smooth waters above. We noticed an Indian dug-out 
above the rapids, and at once visited Lo’scamp to make ar 
rangements for an exploration of the river above the falls. 
By signs and words we communicated our wishes, but were 
informed that “canoe belonged to Medicine Man; he gone 
Big Cypress. Indian no use him canoe." Here was an 
awkward position, and Harry and I resolved on an explo- 
ration on foot. We started on the south bank of the river 
but after floundering for a mile and a half through mud’ 
water, cane brake., and saw-grass, we were forced to re’ 
treat. On my return I look my Shipley rod and went for a 
mess of fish. In a few miuutes I landed two cavalll 
averaging four pounds, and fivo trout from one to seven 
pounds. In the afternoon we were gratified at seeing tho 
face of a white man, and found that our visitor was 
named Carlton, who resided about two miles to the north 
of the fort. We expressed a wish to haul our boat around 
the rapids ou skids aud rollers, and Mr. C. kindly volun- 
teered his assistance, and assured us that he would iuduco 
two more recent settlers to aid us. During the latter part 
of the afternoou we took a survey of tho ditflcultics to be 
encountered, and provided skids, «fcc. lo transport our boat 
around the rapids. 
In the evening one of tho Indians, named Jimmy, visited 
us, and we eventually arraged with him to lake tho Medi- 
cine Mau’s canoe and paddlo us up the river. Early on the 
morning of January 1st, iu company with Harry and 
Indian Jimmy, I commenced an examination of the river 
above the falls. We had not proceeded over a quarter of 
a mile before wo fouud a chaunel averaging sixty feet wide 
and six in depth. To say that it swarmed with numerous 
species of fish would not do justice to this stream. Ou 
the shores large ulligators occupied the banks, and ducks, 
coots, yellow-legged snipe, curlews, craues, herons, water 
turkeys, and other birds existed in countless numbers. 
My imagination painted a channel leading into the Lake 
Okeechobee, and that I should be favored with a view of 
this body of water. But disappointment was ahead. Wo 
had barely proceeded three miles when we found the chan 
nel to end in a broad expanse of saw-grass. A careful ex- 
amination revealed about two inches of water and three of 
tenacious black mud overlying the horizontal layer or lime- 
stone rock. Pocketing our disappointment, wc turned the 
bow of the canoe campward. From our own observations, 
and from such information as I could collect from cattle- 
raisers, herdsmen and ludians, I am convinced that my 
preconceived opinions arc correct— that the Caloosahatchie 
River is the main outlet of Lake Okeechobee. I am 
satisfied that the lake is not more than eight miles iu un 
easterly direction from Fort Thompson, and that it can he 
reached by a light, flat-bottomed boat in an ordinary stage 
of water. The Indians would not explain how the Medi- 
cine Man had transported his canoo from tho lake to the 
fort; but as no other route exists, he must have brought it 
by the course of the river before the water became as low 
as we found it. 
On our return we found Mr. Carlton and his two friends 
ready to assist us in hauling our boat around the rapids; 
but as we had explored the river we politely declined ac- 
cepting their kind assistance. Upon enquiry, I found that 
Mr. Carltou hud a wagon aud a team of bullocks, and iiy 
first idea was to transport the “Spray" to Fish Eating 
Creek, a distance of fourteen miles, descend the creek, cir- 
cumnavigate the lake, ascend the Kissimmee and return 
via the St. Johns River to Jacksonville. Upon question- 
ing Mr. C., I found that his wagon was not broad enough 
to accommodate tho “Spray," hnd that it would be neces- 
sary to construct a new pair of axl e trecs for the purpose. 
The delay attending this arrangement, aud our short stock 
of provisions, induced us to abandon it. Mr. Carlton had 
a pow-wow with the Indians, and ascertained that they had 
three canoes at Old Fort Centre on Fish Eating Creek. 
Mr. C. finally induced Billy Asceola to accompany us, and 
we arranged to start early tho next morning for the lake. 
Mr. C. returned home to prepare for the journey, and wc 
amused ourselves by visiting tho Indian camp. One 
peculiarity of the feminine Lo is a lovo for beads, and in- 
stead of decorating herself with panniers, laces, furbelows 
and false hair, she goes in for glass. After some persua- 
sion, and amidst peals of laughter, we induced u squaw of 
sweet sixteen to divest herself of her neck ornaments. 
When the operation was completed wo had suspended on 
our arm forty-six strings of large glass beads, weighing, at 
the lowest estimate, ten pounds. The only article of dress 
worn by the juvenile representatives of Eve was a few 
strings of beads. The dress of masculine Lo was, to use a 
novelistic expression, picturesque and romantic in tho ex- 
treme. Their head dress consists of from four to five 
small woolen shawls, costing two dollars and a half apiece. 
To arrange this capital encumbrance, Lo folds a shuwl four 
inches wide, places the initial end on the forehead, winds 
the folded shawl tightly around the head und tucks the 
outer end under the first coil. This procedure is followed 
with each shawl until the horizontal and ridiculous-looking 
structure is completed. They all wear calico shirts, with 
grey vests, and these garments, with breech cloths, completed 
the dress of our new acquaintances. 
Early next morning found us under way for Lake Okee- 
chobee in company with Mr. Carlton and Billy Asceola. We 
followed an old wagon trail leading to Old Fort Centre 'on 
Fish Ealing Creek. This trail had been made during the 
Indian wars, since which time it has been followed by set- 
tlers, cattle-raisers and cattle. Mid day found us near the 
dry bed of a Summer water course, where we camped for 
dinner. I took a spade and dug a shallow hole, from which 
we obtained water for coffee. After eating I seated myself 
in the centre of the trail to enjoy my old pipe. Frank laid 
himself down a few feet from me, and almost instantly 
jumped up with an exclamation. His fright was easily ac- 
counted for, for we heard the warning rattle of the death- 
dealing snake, within reach of whose fangs he had reclined. 
He seized his rifle and fired, but excitement spoiled his 
aim; he then used his revolver, and with the last chamber 
wounded his snakeship. Iu the interim one of the party 
protided himself with asliok, and soon finished the rattler. I 
Frank claimed the rattles, which, upon removal, numbered 
eight and a button. 
After our encounter with tho snake wc hitched up the 
oxcu and started for the lake. Night found us four miles 
troin the largo mound at Old Fort Centre. Here we 
camped, ana wore favored with tho bellowing of an ancient 
Sr ,T * dj0imn « Early next morning 
Old FortVa , . S lh ° trai1 ’ aDdat8A - M " o reached 
bull fr C . Lcavin S Mr. Carlton to take care of tbo 
ri e ll, 8, r, 8 T fOUn ^‘ n lQdlaa can « e and started for 
four miles ‘ “ C K l ° tbo 8talom *»t <>* our guide. 
VVe forced our way through several extensive beds of tho 
floating lettuce, and after poling and paddling for two 
miles reached a continuous bed of this plant. Wo were 
provided with two paddles und a pushing pole sixteen feet 
long. The banks of tho creek were perpendicular, and tho 
water from twelve to fourteen feet deep. In this stream 
the lettuce was larger and more luxuriant than any we had 
ever seen in the State. The roots were very long and per- 
fculy mutted, aud wo endeavored to force a passage 
through the obstruction, but might as well have tried to 
paddlo or pole our canoe through one of the New York 
docks. For many years I had looked forward with 
pleasure to the day when I should visit Okeechobee, and 
nothing hut disappointment loomed up before mo. To 
force a passage for several miles through the lettuco wo 
found to bo impossible, and after considering the matter I 
resolved to reach tho lake by wading and wallowing 
through tho water, mud and saw-grass of the swamps be^ 
tween mo and tho lake, and accordingly hauled tho cauoo 
ashore. 
Had I been aware of tho difficulties to be encountered I 
have reason to bclievo that I could havo surmounted them, 
and reached tho lake by tho course of tho cruok It I 
Should again visit Fish Eating Creek I would provide my. 
self with two hooked sticks about twelve feet loug. If 
ouc man was stationed ou oach sido of the canoe, say ten 
feet from tho stern, and tho two to hook iulo tho lettuco on 
each side of the stern, und make traction towards tho storn, 
we arc convince! that such u manouvro would make a pas- 
sage for a cuuoe; and the forco applied would propel her 
ahead. From our knowledge of tho growth, and tho diffi- 
culties to he encountered in forcing a passage through such 
an obstruction, we would advise tourists to test tho mode 
suggested. Al io HB8C0 . 
Protection of Moose. — Tho Nova Scot Ians uro prose- 
cuting with vigor offenders against tho new law prohibit- 
ing the killing of • moose for three years No less than 
twelve persons have bccu convicted aud fined $50 each in 
the counties of Halifax, Cumberland und Kings, uud in de- 
fault of payment have been sent to jail. A largo number 
of prosecutions are also pending. Much of this effort has 
been accomplished through tho instrumentality of tho 
“Game uud Inland Protective Society,” organized last year, 
and which now includes seventy members. This society 
has adopted measures to havo tho law apply to carrihoo 
also, hundreds of which, as well us moose, liuvo been 
slaughtered the past Winter, the unusual heavy snow facil- 
itating their cnpturc. Tho cases in court havo attracted 
great interest, and been attended by hundreds of persons. 
In New Brunswick fines havo been imposed on persons 
who have taken buss out of season, and there seems to ho a 
widespread disposition to put tho laws into pruclicul effect. 
Wc notice In tho Provincial paper a published list of 
twonty-nino wardens appointed for the several districts of 
Nova Scotia, six in all, each district being in eburgo of a 
commissioner. It would be desirable to adopt a similar 
police system throughout the United Slates, and to examine 
carefully the measures employed by our neighbors, that 
we may profit thereby, if need ho. 
Tue Centennial. — Professor Baird is to have an entire 
building at tho Centennial devoted exclusively to an exhi- 
bition of fish and fish culture. He will exhibit upwards of 
000 piaster casts of food fishes peculiar to the coast of 
America. Tho display will also include models of every 
description of fishing smuck, boats, seines, nets and all the 
paraphernalia used in tho catching, curing for and curing of 
fish. The Swedish Government has appropriated the sum 
of $100,000 to bo devoted entirely to a display of dvery- 
thing pertaining to tho same subject in 8wedeu; we must 
look to it that our own exhibit is not Inferior. 
ANew Art Process.— Mr. J. Ives Pease, the artist of 
Twin Lakes, Conn., has invented a new process of pic- 
ture-making, by which portraits of men und animals and 
picturesque scenery can ho taken In a few seconds, huving 
the closest possible resemblance to stipple engravings, or 
chalk drawings, priuted in the usual manner of photo- 
graphs, or ferrotypos; and these in turn cun ho transferred 
to stone or metal surfaces and printed as type, or lu tho 
lithographic or plate press. For pictures of dogs, horses, 
game and fish, this invention or discovery must lead to very 
surprising results. 
Pistol Practice.— We wish to call attention to tho 
letter from “Brandon” on this subject, which is printed this 
week in our Rifle column. He handles tho subject intelli- 
gently for a “novice," and offers suggestions worth acting 
upon. “Read and you will know.” 
—The Canadian QtnlUman'a Journal , published at Toron- 
to, has recently changed proprietors, and is now conducted 
by Mr. Peter Collins, of Dundas. It already shows marked 
improvement in all its departments. Canada ought to sup- 
port a good field Journal. 
