The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1880-04-27

From our Regular Correspondent
RIO CARRABEILE, FLA, April 1S, 1880.
One of my correspondents asks If we are not
overrun with fesss and devoured by mosqui-
toesf" In truth will sey, The mosquitoes are
not troublesome, and it is a singular fact that the
Island is exempt from them. Occasionally in
The summer they look in upon us, but thus far in
my two years residence here, we have had no
reason to complain of them. As TO the deas,
they are natives and just before rains seem in
clined to seek sheltered spots and they are not
particular as to where the spots are and occa-
sioRally they seek the spots when there is
clear sky. l think feel one now-but our
population is increasing so rapidly they will have
to give way TO the march of progress. At the
same time, while l acknowledge that there are
fieas here as elsewhere they evidently are rapid
ly decreasing. We are told that " the wicked
flea, when no man persueth, is rs bold as lion,"
or words to that effect. I've just had one, but
alas
Twas alway thus from childhood's hour
I've seen my fondest hopes decay"
never get my fingers on flea
But the little cuss surely gets away.
However, what is such an insignificant thing as \
flea to any one who is building q city? If they
were as large as black birds, would not quail,
at the same time the last that bit was large
enough. Egad there's another; if l had not
my mind upon them they would not have at
tracted my attention and iesting aside, while
some Of the ladies occasionally notice them,
think their industrious habits may be beneficial
to u.s. and teach us lessons in nature, the same as
the bee, the beaver and the ant There is moth
ing soothing philosophical turn of mind
when a fellow can't help himself, but 1 insist
upon it that We are not overrun with fieas"
We have had visit during the past weeks
from fellow by the name OF Hardy, (probably
an aIGas) He has spent his time between this
place and Apalachicola, warming himself into
the good graces of any who would be imposed
upon. A short time since several articles were
missing TT his boarding place and trap set for
his special benefit. Last week Sheriff Theobald
was requested to draw the strings and just
Hardy had gone on board the steamer he was
arrested. Great credit is given Sheriff Theobald
for the shrewdness and skill he has shown in
managing the matter, and his recovering not
only jewelry and other articles taken from Mrs.
Kelly but also in regaining the watch and chain
DclOuRl0g 10 LII. I1aUuGu, WHICH, - Nalucu ~
$4OO
The general impression Of those who have
been on the Gulf coast in the vicinity of st.
Marks, is that low marsh lands predOmInate
James Island is an exception. We have here, land
ranging from sixty to seventy feet above the Gulf
level, we'll covered with pine principally but our
most valuable land is that portion which at first
glance would lie considered of no value. l refer
to the " Til BaygalIs" Most Of This Is well above
the highest water mark, and easily drained We
already have dug one ditch over milein length
as an experiment, with the most favorable re-
suts-furnishing u tract of the most fertile
land that can be desired. Another ditch will be
commenced in October that will completely
drain over twelve hundred acres of such land.
These, however, are not on the town site but adj
jacent and will furnish valuable sites for market
gardening which will be profitable business
here. This will be prominent resort for tour
lists, health and pleasure seekers There will be
first class hotel at this point and home mar
ket for fruits and vegetables. Even at this time
the supply of vegetables comes from abroad; by
the time gardeners can furnish crops they will
find ready market. We have excellent cattle
range ON the north side of the Island and there
is not better chance in the State for dairyman
to start profitable business than in our immedi-
ate vicinity. Tin cows" answer in emer-
gency but give me the lacteal fluid, fresh from
the bowerie every time A bowl OF milk would be
luxury here-have not had such in nearly three
years
Since my last letter, Charles Reynolds, Esq, of
Grand Haven, Michigan, of the firm of Charles
Reynolds & Co., has arrived, bringing with him
his mechanics to commence the building OF
new saw mill 1t will be about the same size OF
the present mill, with a cutting capacity of thirty
to forty thousand feet per day; will give you
particulars hereafter.
Ifa good, smart, active man, with good span
of mules and wagon, will locate here he will
have no trouble about getting employment
Lumber for buildings and fireweod is in demand
and there are not teams enough to accommodate
the settlement. o. Fl. K