The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1870-01-05
correspondence.
LETTER FROsT FLORIDA.
The Weather-Seenery-G
ess PrOspeels-AP Plantation SOiI-PrO-
duetiOns-Need OF Mechanics, Ske.

LETTER FROM FLORIDA.
ess PrOspeeis-A Plantation SOiI-PrO-
duetiOns-Need OF Mechanics, de.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla Dec Doth 1869.
& Since my last communication to the
Democrat, I have become settled in this
part of the South, and am enjoying with its
people, the most delightful weather.
While, with open windows enjoying the
balmy summer air of this delicious cline,
letters from friends in Canton are chilly
with descriptions of snow storms, ice and
sleet. Tallahassee is beautiful city of sew
en- hills like ancient Rome. There are
hills every where, on the North and South,
East and West, and if not the JOY of the
whole earth, they are the JOY and pride of
its people. Persons who wish to spend
winter in this genial climate. will find all
that is desirable. Clever people-splendid
drives-good roads-forest and lake for
hunting ndfshing. The great abundance
| of game in different parts of the State, af-
fords fine opportunity to sportsmeu.
Fish too, of the best quality are every
where to be found in all the lakes and riv-
ers, forming cheap, easily attainable and
very wholesome article of diet Mullet,
| Bass, Shseps-head, Front, and innumerable
| other varieties abound In the line of
game, there are Turkeys, Ducks, Squirrels,
Deer and Bear. No part of the United
! States can furnish more exciting or agree
able winter hunting grounds than portions
! of Florida. While the North and West
are covered with snow, and Jack Frost
| holds absolute and iron sway, the hunter
here may comfortably camp out month af-
ter month with single blanket, taking as
hunger demands, sweet potatoes from the
ground, and the Orange, Lemon and Ba-
mana from the Plantations along his route,
and IN the continuous sunshine of an un-
ending spring, surfeit himself with the
pursuit of game.
The business prospect of this section is
looking up. Merchants and Planters are
gradually recovering from the losses sus-
tanned by thew Immigration is increas-
ing and with it comes moncy-thc lie that
lubricates the wheels Of fortune. Negroes,
who have, since their emancipation by
hard work and economy acquired land,
mule, or oxen, are making their rounds
among the Merchants with "erdmples' Of
Cotton endeavoriDg to sell 10 the highest
bidder.
Yesterday I visited Plantation near
the city. Notwithstanding the advanced
state of the season, the day was altogether
delightful A heavy rain had fallen the
night previous traces of which were YET
visible on the ground, yet it was soft and
warm as a spring day in Ohio; and tc
make the resemblance greater, there was q
slight breeze Just sufficient to fan the cheek
I L L..
cheerily to the fingers end. The walk was
long and I made it longer by going agtray
At length the numerous white-washed cab
ms formerly occupied by the slaves, an.
f nounced the proximity Of Mr. BIS plan
, tation, one of the largest IN the State, th'
acres of which, are estimated by thousands
The mansion Is large two story structure
with piazZas on every side. In the lawI
approaching the dwelling was all sorts o
shade trees-the Magnolia, Ohander, Chini
= and Olive-which were not only pleasan
3 to the eye, but afforded ample protection
against the hottest summer weather.
f popularity of most of the dwelling house.
in Florida is, that they are without cellars
5 They are built upon wooden posts or bricl
f pillars from 2 to feet above the surfac
/ Of the surrounding ground. thus givini
= thorough ventilation, which is essential t
/ health
The soil of Florida is generally sand
. with more or less admixture of clay, lin
t and organic matter The greater porto
of the land may be designated as pine landi
the pitch and yellow, or long beard pin
t being the principal timber The cotto
: picking season commences the latter pal
of August, and continues until Christina!
e Sugar cane is cultivated to considerabl
extent. Corn, being to the mass of th
t people the "Staff of life" is one of Florida
0 chief productions The next most impol
tant article of food in common use, Is tn
{. sweet potatoe which is largely cultivated
If Sambo's patch of grober peas affords con
J. siderable of revenue
e There is complaint ofthe scarcity offel
hands IN some parts of the State, CROWN
o out Of the fact, that many of the Freedme
f are inclined to hang around the large
: towns. Proprietors who deal kindly an
a, Justly with their help have very little di
IS ficulty in securing all they need. Fiel
d and other manual labor, commands frol
K seventy-fve to one dollar and half day
Mechanics of all kinds are in demand,
frow two to four dollars a day, The Stat
is much better supplied with professions
N skill than mechanical. The professions
,e Law and Medicine are oVerrun, but goc
4, black smiths, carpenters, masons and shO
i makers would find employment withol
r difficulty Here in Florida is large fe
Is for development Homesteads can be ha
il as a free gift the land is fruitful and
r family can, in few years by industry an
lg economy, surround themselves with a sui
stantial competency comfortable hon
a and accumulate handsomely for the futur
ID G. a. 5.