Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1881-08-27
Correspondence.
FLORIDA LETTER.
To the MINING JOURNAL:

several days sight seeing, and tool
passage by the Florida" an elegant
steamer built at Pittsburs, aud run
ming inland by the "Eea island route
to Fernandina, making the trip il
about twenty-four hours. Much in
terest was evinced as we entered the
narrow winding lagooons OF the Geor'
gian savannas. Sometimes our mag
nifcient boat seemed to fill the eutirt
channel; sedgebrush extended far away
in every direction, now founderine
in the mud around some short turn,
and again dating out upon broad
lake, rocking and tossing in cleai
view of the the foaming surges of the
ocean.
Our first landing in Florida was al
Fernandina, and more than a hundred
passengers got broad the waiting
train for Jacksonville, distant in q
very roundabout way of over eighty
miles through one continued wilder
ness Of slender pines, 'tall and straight
as the cedars Of Lebanon" We
passed some clearings called FARMS
but they were mere scratchings of a
few acres in the wild forest. Also
there was an occasional station, 80
called, at which the train was success
lively delayed, without apparent cause
while the passengers as often went
out to survey the situation. 1t is no
uncommon talk about dam ming rivers,
but railroad 30 mnch damned and
at such short intervels was truly as
tonishing. Even the forest solitudes
at times seemed inspired to animad-
vert but all that we could articulate
was "dam."
After long weary ride of six or
seven hours, the monotony was sud-
denly dispelled by the appearance of
pleasant places. Orange groves con-
tinued upon either side, but presented
less interest in their nude state-the
severity of the winter having effect
ually divestes them Of their rich
green robes. Three or four miles and
the neat buildings, the dark waters
of the st. Johns, the numerous masts
of ocean vessels, the hustle and con.
fnsion tell of Jacksonville.
We are glad to leavethe tiresome cars
and take bus for the Carleton house,
which we found frst-claas in every
particular. Indeed far surprising our
highest expectations in the south.
There are four or FIVE other first class
hotels here, most excellently kept by
northern men at $500 and 5 400 per
day. The second best houses are
numerous at $500 and $3.50 per day,
while nearly every residence enter
tains visitors at from $500 to $1,000
per week. All hotels and boarding
houses, the entire length of the st.
Johns, are thronged; travel to the
south is greatly on the increase, and
Florida is crowded with strangers.
Jacksonville is a northern town in
appearance. 1t has been built almost
wholly with northern capital. It's
residents are largely from the north.
It's unpaved streets, however, are not
in keeping with general appearances,
and the deep sand is more effeotual
than city ordinance against fast
driving.
On leaving Jacksonville we at once
sail out upon what appears to be a
beautiful bay. Land Is frequently
miles distant upon either side. This
majestic river has scarcely five feet ol
fall in distance of over two hundred
miles, and for nearly one hundred
miles, is from four miles to ten IL
width, and nsvigable by large craft
of the sea. Its scenery possesses an
unique charm, for of all the views tc
be had on this continent; it alone
unites all that is picturesque and
tropical.
Mandarin is the first place Of much
Importance up the river, and as oul
toat steamed up toward the town
"Where's Mrs. Stoves; where's Mrs
Stowe's?" resounded through the
cabin and on deck, but as we came
up in full view of the unpretentiou'
place, under the great arms of the
lofty, moss-draped trees, nearly al
recognized it at once.
About fifteen miles further is Greer
Cove Spring, one of the most interest
ing places on the st. Johns. Here
are several fine hotels and cottages
also the famous "St. David's Path,
along the river under the lofty