The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1880-06-05

southWard, and passes 10 review a mix
ture OF semi-tropieal and northern scenery.
The river In some places Is covered
for miles with water.lilies in bloom, and SO
dense are they that frequently a glimpse
Of the water Is all that can be Obtained.
Wild fowl are numerous; floating islands
OF green 90 dancing by on the swell of the
steamer; alligators, startled by the steam
whistle, plunge into the stream from the
banks with lazy grunt Of fear; and the
woods are omnipresent, but their emerald |
hue Is broken at intervals by the yellow Of /
orange aud lemon groves, brilliant vines,
dense festoons Of gray moss and gorgeous
shrubbeFy. A few dilapidated stations,
which were formerly thriving Spanish |
cities, arc passed on tho way, until the
steamer halts at Palatka, seyenty-fiYe miles
from Jacksonville, and one hundred from
the mouth of the river This seems to be
asecond edition Of Goldsmith Auburn
50 quiet and lovely does it seem in the
morning sun. Instead Of the hawthorn,
however, one will see the tropical yucca
or Spanish bayonet, aud instead Of the ap-
pie orchard the orange grove, while the
rustic swains are represented by "Crack.
ers who ride ponies as gaunt as them.
selves, and who sell parroquets and the
preserved skins of the white and pink cur
lew, the famingo, swan, wood duck, and
the hummiDg-bird, 10 those who deal 10
such articles. This place recalls visions
of peace and contentment--a spot where
one could dream life away; but, like all
things earthly, it has its drawbacks, for il
is invested with mosquitoes at certain times
and these are so numerous and vigorous
that | have heard ii stated as fact that
they dispersed a minister and his eonge-
cation on Sunday The tourist, still mov-
ing southwark, quits the large steamboat
here, and takes passage in smaller one
that runs to Enterprise, small town one
hundred and thirty miles farther on, which
Is the head Of steam navigation on the St
Johns River.
The scenery after leaving Palatka be
comes charaeteristically tropical, and th,
river narrows into small stream, only u
expand few miles farther on into serisl
Of large and enchantingly beautiful lakes
which are thronged with fish and fowl, anC
dotted with charming islands, that seen
, one mass Of green and yellow from th,
abundance Of topical fruits. Old Indial
sepulehres aud mounds are found on som
Of them, and amid these tourists fond of Al
chaology may be seen rambling at all hour
, Of the day, while others devote their al
tention 10 the pleasure of the rod aud gnr
Boating parties, reyelling 10 the soft sun
> shine and the tropical scenery, arc met wit
; quite frequently, and they give an air 9
animation TO the otherwise silent sceni
: The myriads Of wildfowI and the abunt
6 ancc Of bright feathered birds are a not
BILE feature of the landscape, and do muc
J 10 enchain the attention Of the tourist.
Enterprise-whieh is the great -headqua
= ters for sportsnen who 60 to Florida |
;, fish and hunt as much as to enjoy its bea,
u ty and sHDshine-one is almost sure
meet several European nobleman an
y their families, prominent among whom al
. the representatives Of the United kin
u dom. The region around this town
y covered with orange and lemon grove
u the forests beyond them TEEN with dec
{ bears, wolves, panthers, wildturkeJ
:, quails, grouse and other species Of gam
. while the alligator holds sway in eve
;, stream and lagoon. Alligator -huntiI
= parties are frequently organized, and steal
g ers run at Intervals to convey them
= = lakes Jessup and Harney, where they m
y indulge in the sport to their hearts co
y tent. The reptiles are so numerous
y these regions, that two Of us have kill
q about fifty in less than three days al
I other parties were equally successful, J
: their numbers seemed undiminishe
= Medicinal springs, both cold and therm
n n and Of several varieties, are common
~ the neighborhood; and during the MOI
: ing and evening they are frequented
!. tourists, who drink Of some, aud bathe
= = others. What with shooting and iishir
y " fine climate, abundance Of fruit, medi
:. = nal springs and gay society, it would
e difficult 10 find a winter resort equal
q - Florida. - The London Queen.