The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1879-12-24
Lake JeSSup.

Lake Jessup.
By reference to the map OF Flor
ida you will perceive that Lake Jes-
sup is the next in order of lakes
above Lake Monroe, and in the IA
vored region of Orange county. The
St. Johns river does not flow through
it as it does in the case of most
of the lakes lying in its route, but
barely touches its eastern extremity,
affording, however, transportation
facilities by light draught, first-class
boats all the year. The lake is cres-
cent shaped, lying northeast by south
west, giving water protection from
the north and west to its southern
shore. In length it is about twelve
miles, and greatest breadth about
three miles. In its centre is Bird
Island, having an area of about an
acre of high land, and surrounded by
a perennial emerald margin, a hun.
dred feet or more in breadth. Here
plume and other aquatic birds hold
undisputed sway, saving the presence
ofhuge "'gators" basking uudisturbed
in the sunshine orplying between the
island and Alligator Point, jutting
out from the southern shore. Large
schools of mullet frequent the shallow
water around the island, contributing
many savory messes to those adept
in the use of nets. Soldier creek
empties into the lake. at its western
extremity. Gee, Howell and Salt
creeks also Contribute to its waters.
Howell creek takes its rise near Or
lando, and flows through Lake Matt
land and many other beautiful clear
water lakes, turning several mills in
its course. The ,irregularity Of out.
..l;na Of Lake Jeaanps fts shores clothed
with denise hRRdm5ck aud pine forests
of perennial verdure, and the emerald
isle in its center, presents variety,
and beauty of scenery strikingly in
contrast with the circular lakes Of
the St. Johns found both below and
above it., Its upper margin is skirted
by some hammocks, but mostly by
low pine lands unsuited for cultiva.
ton or habitation. On its south side
and for almost it's entire length it is
bordered by black and gray ham,
mock land, gradually rising into low
and then into high pine lands seventy
five teet above the surface OF the
lake. Upon the latter are found the
most of the residences of the Jessup
settlers. Much of this land is first
class, and the orange, lemon, banana,
and pineapple, here find congenial
soil. The gray hammocks are con.
sidered by some unequalled for the
greatest perfection of the orange.
Many fine groves, some of them bear
ing remunerative crops, show its
adaptability for orange culture. We
have three wharves, with stores and
post. office so located as to suit the con-
venience of the several settlements,
and the interior country seeking an
outlet for their produce through our
lake, which, as you perceive, is the
natural highway for freight and travel
to Orlando, Maitland and other flour
ishing settlements south, southeast
and southwest of us. Having such
superior advantages of scenery, land
and location, it is a matter OF sur
prise that we have been distanced in
development by other places with
comparatively few substantial attrac-
tions. This can be satisfactorily ex-
planned and easily understood when
certain facts are disclosed. A few
years ago, when the tide OF immigra-
ton to Orange county was at Its
height, the largest portion OF our
best land, embraced in the Mitchell
and Young Grants, was not in the
market, and hence not open to set
tlement. This fact, together with
the poverty of our resident property
holders, with contracted views Of the
means requisite to build up our local
ity and want of harmonious concert
OF action, worked very disastrously
to our prosperity and growth Rival
settlements on Monroe and in the in
terror took advantage of our situation
and outstripped us in the race. The