The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1876-02-02
LAKE MATTHIAS, FLORIDA, JAM. ISL

LAKE MAITLAN, FLORIDA, Jan. !. 1876.
LEROY FoRQUER, Esq, URsIXA Pa.
DEAR SIR Your favor of December Goth
received. IN reply / would say that | am
not = land agent or connected herewith in
any way. Having about one year ago 10
Gated here | IN e~ndrav0ring 10 make
known the merits Of the region, in order
to briEg good citizens around me. this be
ing my only compensation and ambition.
| came here from near Pittsburg. Pa,
where / still nave a fruit farm. Was in
duced to come partly for health and partly
for business. having been tor some time
afflicted with bronchial asthma. / have
regained my health perfectly, and in this
connection / wish 10 say that believe
this. though very new, 10 be the most
healthy section not only OF florida but Of
the United States. Thus tar we appear 10
be exempt from those diseases 30 Common
al the north and the oides, residents Of this
place. persons who .ave lived here for
years. have been tree from 4ny malaFi III
levers. while tbs climate appears to be a
psnacea for asthma. incipient lung,
trOgoles. brURchiiis rheumatism, dyspepsia
chronic diarrhoea and kidney complaint
Our oceanic surroundings give Us almost
an Island climate. and yet We have very
Little damp weather even in summer. az
which season. The rains are always over
before dusk. leaving the highs delightful
ly cool. The water Oi the wells and
springs IS generally clear. pure and well
tasted. though not 81 cold a. ~ the north.
This region Is truly the home Of the
orange. lcuiOn. line. citron. Gad in suitable
localiIics. the tGnanna. All OF TIE aOOye
named fruits are easily grown. and VII
yield crops ~ifh any Reasonable chance,
bot responding dDubiy quick % high cul-
turf Orange tees. three years Old. when
sci oct in gOyd ane land well prepared !,
viii an SIX yeanyield 500 u each, tree
and increase rapidly for several years
Afterwards, and as the rang tree hT c
ID a great age one can see that the
investment would be good. Lemons and
lines viii bear in three years from plant
Ing a1d yield Of course = quick return.
To describe this region fully would be an
artnous task. rs il is 50 different from any
other State as regards soil and climate.
TIE former Is sandy and to the eye at Eirst
appears worthless. but when investigated
fagly and one sees what it produces il
mist be admitted that there is a great
- -~l@sss A1AA LII IA ~
ing the country before settling in my
present location. am satisfied that with
the many Natural advantages of loca~
ton we viii soon build up a large COMMIT
nifty, as we already have good society, &c.
| do not think the mercantile business
will suit as wei as the fruit business.
Carpenters seem TO be in demand. A
photographer might procure many fine
views if he could make it pay. / might
add that as this is destined in the near 70
ture 10 be a great resort fer invalids and
tourists. markets are and will be good,
boarding house and hotel keeping will
always pay. Should you make up your
mind to come, the usual route is via Wash
ington ID. c., Charleston Savannah and
Jacksonville, or by sea from n. Y. TO
Jacksonville. From Jacksonville BY
river To Sanford. fare IS. Any other infar-
nation will be given you on application.
Yours truly,
J. 5. SMITH.