The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1881-03-02

up one after another s succession OF |
coral rings or reefs. Each rising |
from depth OF ten to twelve
fathoms. nearly to the surface by the
limy deposits of the busy working |
polyp, and after there rising above |
the water fifteen to fifty feet by the
action OF tides and winds. AS each
successive encircling ridge arose it
cut off a portion OF the sea forming
tidal river or lagoon similar to the
St. Johns and Lake Ochechobee
which were the first formed and the
Matanzas, Halifax, Hillsborough,
Indian and other coaStw1se rivers,
lakes and bogs which were the last
formed of the many intervening
rivers and lagoons most have grad
ually filled up and been uplifted to
height sufficiently above tidal water
to become cultivable and they con-
stitute large portion Of the PENN.
sula and are tor the most part mex
haustibly rich in mari, alumina and
organic deposits, while abe higher
ridges resting on coral foundation,
and varying in height from ten to
fifty feet, and in width, from one to
ten miles, and covered with pine,
oak, hickory and scrub, are exceed
ingly delightful and healthy for resi-.
dence and also excellent for fruits,
and most farm crops. Thus giving
the most happy structural character
possible. In the lower portions
there are numerous rivers, lagoons
and bays mostly salt and tidal. fur
nishing an abundance of fish and
oysters of excellent quality. In the
higher portion there are many clear
running streams and beautiful lakes
naturally stocked with bass, brim
and other excellent fish and capable
of supplying the country with carp.
These waters not only diversity and
.beautify the scenery while they
10y --s..,e II ...,
drawage cheap, while they tend to
equalize the temperature cooling it
in summer and warming it in winter
and, never stsgnsting, and adds
yearly to the healthfullness OF the
country.
The older lands of the central axis
of the peninsula rising gradually TO
some 300 feet, are more undulating
and scarcely less diversified by
numerous large and famous springs,
rapidly running streams and clear
lakes, by rich hammocks and sayan.
mas and broad areas OF rolling pine
lands much of which is underlaid with
clay or limestone and exceedingly
productive when cultivated. These
lands are no where over seventy.fiye
miles from the ocean to the guilt and
are daily swept by coollngaud health
giving breezes from the salt water
They are better adapted 10 the staple
farm crops, nearly all Of which can
be produced here az cheaply as in
any State in the Union. While many
of the fruits, with garden vegetables.
grow unsurpassed ana being first
in market bring the highest price.
One great structural advantage this
portion OF the peninsniar has, is the
natural facilities for draining The
richer portions when this ia done on
large scale. Also the equal facili-
ties FOR constructing canals and RAN.
way thoroughtxres, tor there ia no
State III the Union where all thexa
internal improvements can be SO
cheaply constructed and maintained
as in Florida. And wheu This ia
done IS it inevitably will be in due
time. Every family in the peHinsula
na1y breakfast at home, battle and
dine at the sea'beSch and return for
tea al night. Then VIII life in Flor.
ida be not only tolerable, but perpet.
ual and delightful recreation. Open
the map of Florida for a moment, see
how every county touches upon some
naVlgable waters, while several, like
our own Voiuhia, are almost bounded
and crossed by them. Aud this long
girdle OF sea coast giving her nearly
halt the water front OF all tho Allan.
tic States and then these chains of
inland lakes and the best parts of
these great navigable rivers TAPPING
so many other States making ex. |
change easy. Why Florida is not
only a peninsula, it is also an archi. ]