188 
FOREST AND STREAM 
read of the patience of historic Job, but I have reason to 
believe that he never suffered from a visitation of Florida 
"red bugs.” Upon inquiry. I was informed that my atten- 
tive and industrious visitors were called red bugs, and were 
only to be found on tho Spanish moss In the southern por- 
tion of the Stato. Our earnest advice to future wanderers 
is to give mossy couches a wide berth. 
On our return to our boat wo prepared a saturating solu- 
tion of common salt, and with it sponged several times 
daily, and at the end of the second day dissolved our con- 
nection with Florida red bugs. We are at a loss to deter- 
mine exactly what effect was produced on the bugs by tlm 
snlt, but we discovered the fact that wherever we had re- 
moved the skin by scratching, the effect of the solution 
was anything but pleasant. 
Starting before old Sol appeared above the eastern hori- 
zon, we reached our boats at four o'clock in the afternoon. 
Southwest of the lake, nearly to the shore of Charlotte 
Harbor, nnd from the Caloosahatchie River to Peas Creek, 
a distance of sixty miles, the sportsman will find u beau- 
tiful prairie, clothed with luxuriant and nutritious grasses, 
different ftom those of the St. Johns and Atlantic sections. 
This vn9t expanse of bunting ground is dotted with 
"islands,” that is to say, spots clothed with live oaks and 
majestic palms. These islands vary from a few square rods 
to 11 fly acres, and here and there will he found small hells 
of pine timber, the islands and belts furnishing ample shel- 
ter for game. We were charmed with the country, uud 
loeply legrettcd our inability to camp out and enjoy a few 
weeks’ bunting in the neighborhood of Fish Ealing Creek. 
From our own experience, and the statements made by re- 
iablc parties, we have no hesitation in asserting that this 
lection is unequalled by any portion of the United States 
for deer hunting or turkey shooting. In crossing the prai- 
•ic from New Fort Centro largo herds of deer were fre- 
jiiently visible on ouch side of the trail, hut the effects of 
iwamp journeying, nnd a night’s exercise fighting red hugs, 
jrevented us from leaving the wagon and attempting to 
hoot a deer. Owing to the inequality of the surface, and 
he protection afforded by the tall grass and patches of snw 
lalmctto, deer can bo approached without difficulty. At 
lie period of our visit Hie Indians wero on their annual 
Hint to Fort Thompson, and a large proportion of the deer 
iad been driven to points u few miles distant. Since the 
emoval of the majority of the Sominoles, doer have 
named and increased on the prairie undisturbed. As an 
ividence of the superiority of this section as a hunting 
[round, we need bill cite the fact that the Indians residing 
m the eastern side of the lake and in the Miami region 
innuaily visit Fort Thompson for their winter’s hunt. 
iVitli the exception of the few annually destroyed in the 
leighborhood or Fort Thompson by poor Lo, deer roam 
indisturbod, the grasses are nutritious, climatic conditions 
avorable, and, as a consequence, the amount of deer in 
his section is fabulous. This locality is truly the hunter’s 
inradise, and must bo visited to he appreciated. I have 
o hesitation in staling that the still hunter can kill from 
en to twelve deer duily. If lie desires variety, lie will find 
uniberlcss turkeys on the hanks of the creek or in the ad- 
orning islands-, or if disposed to indulge in tlshing, ull that 
rill bo necessary is to use a bob, spinner, or fly, and he 
rill soon tire of landing the largest and fattest trout in the 
talc. 
If any one should contemplate a visit to this region we 
lould recommend as a silo for his camp a point on the 
reek ten or fifteen miles west of Now Fort Centro. To 
each this locality the sportsman can take steamer to Char- 
iton, Savannah, or Fernandina, and railroad to Cedar 
[cya; or steamer from New York to Ivoy West. Punta 
tassa can be Touched from Cedar Keys or Key West by 
learner Emelie, sailing weekly. From Punta Rassa sports- 
len can ascend the river to Fort Thompson, or take a 
ullock dray from Fort Myers. Mr. Carlton resides two 
lilcs north of Fort Thompsou, and for $3 per day will 
tiruish a conveyance to the creek. But to find Mr. C.'s 
L'sidenco after reaching the fort would be the rub. If any 
eiflon should desire his assistance a few simple directions 
light prove valuable. Landing on the west side of the 
iver below the rapids a northerly course must bo kept, 
•aving the river to the right anil the timber to the left, 
'wo miles from the landing pluee Mr. Carlton's residence 
’ill he noticed to the left, near some largo pine timber. 
lr. C. will be found to he a good guide — kind, sociable, 
Ltcntivo, nnd moderate in his charges; in fact, a gentle- 
lan whom wo can unhesitatingly recommend to the fuvor- 
blc notice of sportsmen. 
With regard to the Indians, we have only to state that 
rter the first few days we found them sociablo and plea- 
int neighbors. The females are modest and retiring, and, 
:ora what we could learn, are remarkable for chastity, 
'hose we met did not appear to have an appetite for intox- 
:ating liquors, and with the exception of Johnny, a half 
reed (part Indian and part negro), they seemed to be 
triclly honest. The Indians stated that Jimmy was "holy- 
ragus" (no good), nnd wo arrived at the same conclusion. 
Ve missed a pocket knife, which we had reason to behove 
immy appropriated. Descmling the river, we overtook 
iinmy at one of his camps and found one of our spinners 
ttuched to his fishing line. Ila assured us that he had 
ound it, but his statement was received cum grnno tali*. 
ro persons visiting Fort Thompson we can recommend 
lilly Osceola as a good and attentive guide, and, as fur as 
iur observation went, perfectly reliable. Curiosity appears 
o be a prominent trait of these Indians, and ttieii desire 
o sec and examine everything at times proved annoying, 
ro escape their inquisitiveness wc would auchor the boat 
in mid-channel, and they would seat themselves on the 
tho shore and stoically wait for hours for us to back the 
boat. 
The Indians of Florida arc so advanced in civilization 
as to shun politics, rings, and peculation, and are disposed 
lo remain honest and untainted by the intrigues of carpel 
baggers. They are entitled to one representative in the 
State Legislature, and this fact having been discovered by 
an nspiring carpet bagger he visited Spotted Tail and so- 
licited his influence. Old Spotted Tail listened to his elo- 
quent pleading, and rather abruptly ended tho interview 
by exclaiming, “Indian no want politics; go to h 
Al Fuksco. 
ROMANCE OF THE ERIE ROAD. 
T IIE great Slate of New York contains so much of the 
scenic and- picturesque that its mountains, valleys, 
lakes and streams, have formed the grand perspective for 
many a work of fiction, among which are notably those 
of America’s greatest novelist— Feni more Cooper, whose 
writings have invested nearly every part of it with some- 
thing more than an historical interest. To the reader who 
has followed the fortunes of " Leather Slocking ” among 
(lie Ivuutcrskill Cliffs, and sojourned with him upon the 
shores of the sparkling Otsego Lake, 'participating in his 
hairbreadth escapes, admiring his diplomacy, his strategy, 
and his courage, and warming toward his ingenuous kindly 
heart, every scene portrayed in the narrative glows with 
an undying charm. Absorbed iu the events of a period 
that is long since past, and oblivious for the time of the 
growth of settlements, and the present means of locomo- 
tion and communication, he longs for the wiugs lo fly to 
and the eyes to behold, these theatres of so many sylvan 
romances, so that he may live the wild experiences over 
again. Presto! tear but Hie film ot reverie away, awake 
to the present reality of the iron rail nnd the rumble of 
the wheels umong the hills, nnd if one only wills he cau he 
set down in the silenco and solitude in a twinkling, and 
satisfy the longiugs of bis heart. 
There are many wonderful trout streams in these se- 
cluded spots which even the march of settlement has uot 
invaded, and many n lake where the black bass leaps, and 
the mnsealonge stretches bis huge length under the lily 
pads; and to these the angler turns with wistful gaze when 
the burning Summer comes uud his worn out body calls 
for rest. These places of grateful retirement lie among 
the rugged cliffs where the torrent foams, and under the 
shadow of mountains which the eagle supposed were in- 
accessible when be chose them for his eyrie. But the skill 
of the engineer has broken through all barriers, and the 
railway threads its rocky intricacies. The Eims Railhoad is 
the great arterial channel into this virgin wilderness, more 
rich iu grand perspective, illimitable distances, heights and 
depths, lights and shadows, ami scenic beauty and variety, 
than any other portion of our Eastern mountain ranges. 
It would require n catalogue of proper names to designate 
all the numerous rcsoris, known and unknown, that lie 
along its route from Hoboken to Niagara Falls, and from 
Ilornellsville to Dunkirk and Erie. We are coguizant of 
many a choice locality, which we may not reveal, where 
the trout leaps and the deer hides, and the times that we 
have rumbled over its rails are not a few. Sportsmen true 
are many of its employees, and our dogs have fared well 
always; and many a goodly haunch of venison and bunch 
of birds have we entrusted to the baggage masters along 
the line, for wo knew their hearts were sympathetic, and 
that sportsmen could not be faithless to sporstraen. 
There is no railway route in America that leads to such 
a variety of scenery as the Erie road. It was a noble con- 
ception of tho Appleton’s to bring out for the enjoyment 
and wonder of those who never travel, their marvelous 
"Picturesque America,” that tho beauties of our couutry 
might be known. Fifty vulumc9 arc included in the work, 
and the rugged scenery of the Erie road occupies no small 
portion of the space allotted to it. But were the whole to 
be devoted to the Eric alone, it need not bo filled. The 
Erie Company have even essayed to publish a miniature 
"Picturesque America" of their own, under the title of the 
"Erie Railway Tourist,” which is hardly less beautiful in 
its matter and embellishment than the other. This tells of 
all tho choice places along the route, and wc cau do our 
readers uo better service than to refer them to it. 
Rowing and Athletic Annual for 1875.— Mr. James 
Watson, tho compilerof this useful little book, has brought 
not only great labor but his largo experience into play in 
making it as complete as possible. For the rowing man 
nnd tho athlete, it is a necessary pocket companion, as it 
contains a complete record of past events, fastest times at 
all distances etc. etc-, together with useful bints on train- 
ing. The book cun be had by addressing the Editor, P. 
O. Box 678, and the price i9 but fifty cents. 
The Yachting Annual.— Mr. Tlios. Manning is now 
engaged in the preparation of his useful Yachting Annual 
for the current season, and will have it ready to issue the 
latter part of May. One feature of the work will be a list 
of yachts not entered in any club, and gentlemen desiring 
to have their yachts mentioned in this list can do so by 
addressing the Editor at No. 293 Broadway. 
— Petroleum oils arc coming iuto use for dtessing 
leather, aud it is stated that their use for this purpose is 
largely increasing. The heavier gravities of petroleum, 
such os parafflno and steam-reduced oils, are the ouly ones 
used in this way. 
CREEDMOOR. 
Saturday last being the day fixed for the first of the com- 
petitive trials for places on the teum which is to contest 
with the Irish riflemen on the 29lh of June, the candidates 
assembled at Crcedmoor and fired the regulation number 
of shots, fifteen each, at the 800, 900, and 1,000 yard ranges. 
Fifteen gentlemen presented their names for the honor, 
and ulthough the scores made were far short of those at 
similar tiials last year, taking into consideration the back- 
ward seuson and the few opportunities for preliminary 
practice, the work done was by no means unsatisfactory. 
Four members of the old team were shooting with the new 
aspirunts, their scores ranking first, third, fourth, and 
ninth, and assuming that under more favorable circum- 
stances these four would show the old form, the interme- 
diate scores wero at least respectable. We apprehend that 
the competition of yesterday — the result of which comes 
to hand after our hour of going to press— as well ns the 
subsequent ones, will show much better shooting. Thu 
wind on Saturday was baffling and uncertain, veering to 
all points of the compass, and necessitating a constant 
change of wind gunge. A number of the men experienced 
great difficulty in getting "on” at the 1,000 yard range, 
which will be rectified by further practice, and wc do not 
despair, before the team is finally selected, of seeing scores 
fully up to the desired mark. Under the excellent execu- 
tive direction of General Slialer and the gentlemen com- 
posing the range committee, everything worked smoothly. 
Runges 
port... 
mm 
tooo 
soo. . 
ooo . 
1000 .. 
MINI 
mm 
iooii. 
800 
uon 
tooo. 
800 
mm 
1000 
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000. 
1000. 
800 
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800 
mx). 
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800 . 
mm 
1000 
800 . 
mm. 
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Scores. 
Totals. 
(IKK. .1 S. HARIS. 
..■1 94438848444333 
..4 3 2 443444444 1 4 3 
.,3 4 0843238433300 
52 
......... 311— 118 
UEN. J. R. BAWDRY 
..3 3 4 3 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 
..3 348332443330 4 8. . 
. . ... .53 
45—143 
CATT 1IKNIIY FULTON. 
..3 4 2 8 8 3 4 404384 11... 
..3 4 3 4 2 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 3 3 0 
48 
40—135 
COL 11 A (1 1 LDER8LEE V E . 
..248842243348833 
.430334334443034 
..02808443333322 4 
4fi 
45 
39 -130 
n, C. COLEMAN. 
3 3 3 2 4 4 4 4 0 4 3 4 3 3 3 
3 3 4 4 3 4 2 4 3 3 4 4 4 2 1 
, 033333333002000 
47 
. 51 
25 123 
CAPT. L. C. BRUCE. 
.2 3 4 3 2 2 4 3 4 0 3 3 0 3 3. 
300133434423441 
.30404238 4 83 2 2 3 2 . . . 
39 
45 
38-122 
n. H. JEWELL 
.3 3 2 3 3 4 « 4 2 3 3 4 8 2 3 
8 2 3 3 0 2 3 4 2 3 3 3 4 11) 
..0 2 2 3 4 0403 2 33344 
37-121 
A. V. CANFIELD, Jll. 
4 3 2 4 4 3 4 0 2 3 2 3 2 1 0 
..4 4 0 4 3 3 3 4 4 3 0 2 3 3 4 . . 
,.0 83303 3 042333 4 4 
40 
44 
30 12-' 
«, u YAJ.E. 
2 3 4 3 3 3 2 IH U 3 2 o 3 
..0 34 2 4 13844 3 3043. 
,.0 033 4 3048234800 
44 
41 
.82—190 
L. M. BALLARD. 
,2 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 
.3 0 8 3 2 1 3 2 0 0 2 3 2 3 8. 
..30422403384 2003 .... 
51 
33 
33-117 
J. 8. LATIMER. 
.0 3 0 3 0 2 3 3 8 3 3 2 4 4 4 
.3 4 3 1 3 4 3 3 4 3 2 4 8 2 3 . 
,2 0 2 2 0 2 0 2 2 3 3 li 3 3 0 
37 
18 
24-109 
E. H. SANDFORD. 
..3 3 2 4 4 4 2 3 4 4 0 2 4 0 3 
..0 0 3 8 8 0 0 0 4 4 4 2 34 4 
..3 32004000383 4 24 
42 
34 
31 107 
P. O. SANFORD. 
..2 4 3 00204244228 3.. . 
.4 3 4 3 4 4 3 4 0 1 0 0 4 3 3. 
35 
43 
GEORUE CROUCH. 
.4 4 3 1 3 3 1 4 3 1 3 4 1 3 3 
, 2 2 4 0 2 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 3 0 3 
. (13 0 00400800000 0 
£ 
T 
! 
,1. 8, CONI, IK. 
.0 0 4 1 4 3 4 2 3 0 2 2 4 3 3 
..0 00083 2 33 3 00008 
38 
20-08 
A. .1 llOUX. 
. .2 0 0 n 3 3 0 0 0 4 4 3 3 3 2 
.3 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 8 3 4 3 41 2 
.. 0 33333830000004 
27 
as 
25— 90 
J. E. WHITLEY 
.3 2 0 4 3 0 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 0 
.0 0 0 3 3 3 4 2 2 0 2 2 3 8 
.020002333033000 
31 
1(1-88 
E. U. RAYMOND. 
.2 2 2 0 3 4 0 3 3 2 4 4 4 2 2. 
.0 220024320000 0 0. 
.3 0 0 3 3 1 0 2 s 2 I 8 2 8 
37 
16 
.31— 86 
JO**L1'II HOLLAND. 
..0 0 4 4 8 83 a 422 4 3 4 3 
.4 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 1 il 3 3 
..2 0 0 8 0 24004020 3 3 
41 
20 
LEON BACK Ell. 
..3 4 0 0 3 2 0 2 4 2 8 8 0 8 3 
..2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 4 4 3 4 2 4. 
..3 0 0 3 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 
20 
16-77 
The Rifle at the State Sportsmen’s Association. 
—The time for holding the annual meeting of the Stale 
Sportsmen’s Association, to he held this year at W atertown, 
N- Y. , will soon be publicly announced. Rifle shooting will 
be made a specialty, and is to be conducted in tlie old- 
fasliioned way as regards measuring st rings, etc. Valuable 
prizes will be given for off-hand shooting nt fifty-five yards, 
and others at 220 yards, any position permitted. Wc shall 
print next week, or as soon as received, a complete list of 
all priz.es to be given at this gathering. 
Saratoga Rifle Club.— An organization hns been 
formed in Saratoga with the above title. The association 
has already secured a range of 1,000 yards in length, per- 
fectly level nnd admirably adapted lo the purpose. A large 
club house has been erected thereon for the convenience of 
the members. It is proposed to open the range for practice 
