The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-12-15

profitable than oranges.
6. One great advantage Florida must. al
ways have over other fruit-growing countries
is its nearness to market, which in this bust
ness is of the greatest Importance. For ex-
ample: Bananas in the Mobile and New Or
leans market are mostly imported from the
island of Roatan, in the Bay Of Campeachy,
Central America. They cost there from %
to IS cents bunch, in gold. These punches
will weigh often 35 pounds each, and con-
tain each from 10 to Is dozen pods. By
the time they reach New Orleans, or Mobile,
the transportation and duty make the cost
about SITS bunch, which is equal to about
1925 in currency, and if the vessel is delayed
in its passage (of nearly 1000 miles,) they
will be worth nothing. Sometimes out of
10 boxes of Sicily oranges, not as much as
would amount to one of sound fruit can be
obtained. But bananas with good care will
keep about as long as oranges, and from
Florida both can be marketed in fine con-
dition.
7. While the land about Clear Water Har-
Dor is not as rich as some other s66yons, it
has not only, as compensation, the advan-
tage of good water and good health, but &C.
cess to abundant and remarkably cheap fer
tilizers. First, unlimited quantities of rich
swamp muck, around the fresh-water lakes,
of which there is on an average one to every
mile through the country. Second, the is
lands two miles from the coast are composed
of sea-shells; easily reduced to lime-better
for agricultural purposes than any other.
Third, the harbor is wonderfully stored with
fish, which can easily be caught, and which
supply one of the richest manures known.
s. Population already there. Taking a
distance of thirty miles up and down the
coast from the centre of Clear Water Har-
Dor, there is upon an average one family to
every mile; and taking range Of mile
back from the coast, comes another tier of
about the same number. They are generally
very plain, iliterate people, but remarkable
for sobriety and honesty; peacably and kindly
disposed. Such thing as lock on door
of house, smoke-house or crib, is of rare oc-
currence.
A new county will be organized out of
this district, this winter, and the county seat
will be fixed on the coast about the centre
of the harbor.
8. Some Presbyterian families are there
now; if little concerted movement were
made, fifteen or twenty emigrating there
might form pleasant church organization,
which the minister already there would, with
health restored to diseased throat by the
fine climate,) be able to take care of.
10. The best route to reach the place is
by Charleston, S. C., thence by steamer to
Fernandina; thence by railroad to Cedar
Keys, on the Gulf; thence by steamer to
Tampa, within twenty miles of the place;
or directly down the coast ninety miles, by
sail boat. A steamer, plying weekly between
Cedar Keys and this place, was started last
August by New York Company; but find
ing it more profitable at present to transport
cattle from Manatee to Cuba, it was turned
aside for time to that business. The cost
of travel from Richmond to Clear Water
Harbor should not exceed S5O-the distance
is about 700 miles.
These notes, with what has already been
published, will furnish information on the
main points desired by inquirers. will add
that the climate hardly ever fails to relieve,
if not TO cure, pulmonary and bronchial
complaints, if resorted to in time. Those
far gone-of which physician can judge
best-will only hasten their end by going
there.
In conclusion, will remark that emf
grants must expect to find country exceed
ingly different from this-except that part of
Virginia on the coast. And they must
make up their minds to encounter the in
conveniences of new settlement. But tax
ing into view its healthfulness, and the great
number of productions, such as sugar.cane,
sea-island cotton, Cuba tobacco, and espe-
cially tropical fruits, which can be SO profit
ably grown, l do do not know place where
persons of moderate means could so soon
place themselves and families in entire COM
fort Whoever might go there and manage
well; who should establish five or six acres
in oranges and as much in bananas and pine
apples, need not want better income for
life
1t should be remembered that there are no
negroes in that section, and scare as labor is,
the people are much averse to having them
brought in. 1t would be best for those emf
grating there to make arrangements for
taking the za6orers needed along aOith them /;
if they have them not already in their own
families. Two hands to place are as much
as most would need.