The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-24
DOMESTIC MISCELLANY.

Florida.-The raising of tropical fruits in the
peninsula of Florida is attracting extraordinary.
attention. From the region of Tampa down to
Key West, at the extreme South, the climate and
soil are such that pine apples oranges, lemons,
bananas, &C., grow in perfection. Much of Flori-
da, especially on the ST. Johns river in the east is
sickly-.infested with fevers and mosquitoes The
coast Of Clear Water Harbor, lying just north of
the mouth Of Tampa Bay, is very healthy with
pure water, delightful climate in summer and
winter, and little troubled with insects Lands
are at present cheap, and if there is another such
fine opening for industrious folks, of small means,
we have never heard of it. Any such man who
will 60 there no,o and plant ten acres in oranges,
bananas, and pine apples will in five years have
an independent income for life. There is no dan.
ger of Cutting the market. The demand will in
crease much faster than the supply. The following
items are from a late Jacksonville paper:
The Orange Crop.-The orange crop bids fair
10 be much more than an average one and the
price is fully one third more than last year. We
learn that the great bulk Of the crop has been pur
chased by Charleston and New York parties for
shipment to those cities. Those owning groves
will receive a handsome income. and present and
prospective prices will induce the increase of old
and the planting OF new groves. Since attention
has been given to cultivation by blowing and ma.
nuring and taking Of the trees the groves have
greatly improved in appearance thrift and produc.
ton. grove fairly established is constantly in
creasng source OF revenue, and will last genera
tons. There is no secret in the business, more
than in the raising of peaches or apples at the
north. The market cannot be overstocked, for the
demand is increasing and new markets are open.
ing.
Pine Apples.- Benjamin Baker, of Key West,
has sold his crop of pine apples this year for nearly
seven thousand dollars. This crop vas gathered
from less than an acre and half of ground. He
has one hundred and fifty thousand plants, which
will be in bearing next year, and these cover less
than seven acres of ground and if sold at the same
rate as this years crop will net him sixty thousand
dollars. The pine apple crop of Florida next year
will exceed two hundred thousand dollars.
Post-Mortem Charity.-Let the stewards of Christ,
who may at any time be called to their last account,
read the following well considered views of the
Religious Telescope:
There is, at this time, in the hands of Christian
men, large portion of the wealth of the EARTH
1t is fair to say that large proportion of this is in
tended by them to be devised for charitable objects
after they have done using it. But very much of
that which is thus intended will never reach that
destination. Many of the possessors will die be.
fore their plans are completed OF, their wills made.
Many others will make requests the fnal execution
of which will, in some way, be evaded.
The only real, as well as the only sure charity is
that which is bestowed during the lifetime of the
individual. P0st-mortem charities cost no sacrifice,
for they are only made when the person who be-
slows them has no longer any use for his property
If any real honor is deserved in making requests
for charitable purposes it is due first to those who
like Mr.. Peabody, set their charities to work while
they are themselves alive, and can see that they
reach the end they wish. Nevertheless there are
many who can not well spare their substance dur
ing their lifetime but wish to bestow it for chart
table ends after they are dead. Let such see to it
early that the instruments which are to convey
such requests are carefully, and without delay,
drawn up and properly preserved. Sickness and
death, at an unexpected hour, have in numberless
instances, cut off forever the opportunity for doing
the good deeds that were intended
A Railing Accusation.-Rev. Dr. Fleming, of
Neilston, was at one time waited on by commit.
tee to make arrangements about repairing an old
fence which enclosed his garden. After the depu.
tation had examined the fence, they repaired to
the manse and explained that they were anxious
to give his garden every protection" That's
just what | want" replied the Doctor. swell,
then, said one Of the deputation, suppose we
give your garden enclosure an efectual security in
the shape of strong fence of stabs and railing2"
"Stabs and railing, sir. | have had nothing else
since l came amongst you"