Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-09-15

the What She VIII Have
at Atlanta-Fish. Flesh. Fowl and
observation-disclosures Going In for
the ShekeIs-The Wool Industry
SILK Worm CultivatiOn-Ocala-
Live ToWn-HOW the Different
New Railroads are Progressing,
Etc.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA, September 1s-Last
Saturday had the pleasure of taking a most
delightful ride upon the magnificent beach OF
Amelia Island. at low tide you can have an
uninterrupted stretch of eighteen miles over
an expanse of firm, white sand. Of such solidity
that the carriage wheels scarcely make any
impression upon it's smooth surface The
foam-crested waves break with their deep.
solemn monotone against the shore, and chase
each other in endless succession, as they have
done for countless ages. Fresh from the
bosom of the mighty Atlantic come the cool
refreshing breezes, laden with moisture,
bringing elasticity and health to the weakened
frame, and additional vigor to the strong and
hearty.
At times the glossy backs of the porpoises
can be discerned as they dash into the schools
of small fish, or the dorsal fin Of the voraclous
ened mullets. Anon comes sailing by the
clumsy form Of the ungainly pelican, searching
for his prey and descending like an avalanche
upon his unsuspecting quarry.
short ride of two miles from the heart OF
Fernandina brings you to this charming scene,
from which you return with reluctance. There
are few, If any, such drives in America for ex-
tent and beauty, and the Island City Will always
possess, in her unrivalled beach, a great and
rare attraction 1t is strange that our people
are so prone to desert their home advantages
every summer, and betake themselves to the
North, when they have at their very doors
equal advantages and facilities. The two ho-
tells, the Mansion House in the city, and the
Strathmore upon the beach, are both comforta-
BILE, roomy structures, with excellent accom-
modations at reasonable prices.
new Episcopal church has been commenced
on Centre street, and there are numerous
handsome private residences. Much atten-
tion is given to shrubbery and flowers. The
growth of Fernandina has not been as rapid as
the progress of many of the other cities IN
the State since the war. With one OF the best
harbors on the coast, and a long line or rail-
road penetrating the interior of the Peninsular,
it would seem that it possessed all the factors
for becoming place of considerable import
ance Much is expected from the extension OF
the road to Tampa, which is now progressing
with reasonable expedition large business
is done in lumber, and the port IS now the ter
minus Of the Florida line Of the Mallory steam
ers. Fernandina is destined to become: In the
near future, favorite resort during the
summer for persons from the interior.
The Egmont Hotel, handsome
building, opeus it's doors only in the
winter, and catches fair share OF the North
ern travel. The completion of the link to this
city has drawn the two communities very
closely together, and visits are frequent and
constant. The run of thirty three miles ls er-
fected in an hour and half over a road laid
with steel rails, in new and elegant coaches,
drawn by powerful locomotives.
An arrangement has been consummated
within the past week by which all the exhibits
- 10 az fnaln6inCr fhnCn RnnfFIhnfRn
counties and by the various railroads, will be
grouped in one collection. This arrangement
gives general satisfaction, and entire and COM
plete confidence is now expressed that the
Florida exhibit will, in extent, value and gen.
eral interest, not prove far inferior to the
display made by any of her sisters 1t is the
intention Of those entrusted with the direction
of affairs to erect building for the reception
of the articles forwarded from Flori-
da. AS leading feature will be
a full assortment of tropical fruits
and plants, the building must be thoroughly
warmed to protect them from injury. 1t is
proposed to send forward specimens of all the
plants grown upon our soil, Aside from the
citrus family, the pineapple, banana, cocoa
nut, guava, ETC., we propose to ornament the
Florida Hall with tea and coffee plants. the
African date, paw-paw, ginger, pepper, Gust
ard apple, alligator pear and other odd and
strange productions My word for it, the de-
partment from this State will be the most
popular Eesort upon the grounds. Our jewel
ers and esiosty dealers will make glitteriDg
display of their wares. and Florida canes, rams,
feather flowers alligator and hSh-scale orna-
ments, shells, coral, etc, etc, will excite admi-
ration and attract purchasers.
Our ladies will contribute many articles of
taste and beauty. Much of their work in
feathers and scale jewelry is exquisite in de.
sign and finish, and will be eagerly sought
after by those who admire true art and ele-
gance of execution. 1t is contemplated to
adorn the entrance to the Florida Hall with
fine specimens of the cabbage palmetto, or
ange and other trees laden with their fruit; the
banana, with its broad, fan-like fronds, and
other tropical plants, strange to the assem-
bled thousands. A fresh collection of fruits
will be forwarded weekly, and many will have,
for the first time, an opportunity OF enjoying
the true inwardneSs Of a Florida orange, as
far superior in flavor and sweetness to its
cousin from the Mediterranean, as is the mel
low pippin to the acid crab-apple. The differ
ent railroads in the State have proffered to
convey all articles intended for exhibition
free of charge, and are actively engaged in
aiding and assisting in the enterprise, and
their powerful influence will go far towards
making it a success. In many of the counties
committees are busily engaged in the collect
ton of everything that is useful, rare, curious
and ornamental. A very healthy feeling has
been aroused on the subject, and q generous
emulation has been awakened As resulS
we have every reason to expect that Florida
will be brilliantly illustrated at the approach
ing exposition, and that in dispite of her
sparseness of population, her display will fully
bring to light her hidden resources and at
The collection of woods from this State will
be a matter of surprise to manufacturers.
There are numerous varieties that grow mo-
where else IN this country, and many are of
great utility and value. The exhibit in this
branch will be full and complete.
Florida designs to furnish fish, fruit and
vegetables for the visitors. The exhibition
comes on during our mullet season, than which
there is no finer fish on our coasts, and we can
easily supply the demand, no matter how
great. The inexhaustible oyster beds around
Cedar Keys and Apalachicola will be equal to
the occasion and there will be no dearth Of the
popular bivalves In the way of vegetables,
Tampa, Leesburg and Lake Worth will under
take to honor all drafts, and unless the season
sets in very early and is Uncommonly severe,
you may expect to see green peas, tomatoes,
etc, on the tables of the Atlanta hotels at
Christmas. Shad and strawberries may per-
haps put in an appearance also at the same
period There is big heap of ignorance about
Florida which must be dispelled, and we won't
have as favorable an opportunity for long
time as the present.
A lady in Jackson county is said to have sold
her clip of wool recently for $4,000, realizing
% cents per pound. Now, these sheep cost a
mere trifie for the care given them, their food
amounting to nothing. Nowhere in the United
States can wool raising be conducted more
cheaply and at greater profit than In Florida.
In South Florida especially, where they would
not be subject to the depredationS of negroes,
and where the range is unlimited, sheep could
be raised to very great advantage. In that
whatever, would find green pastures summer
and winter, and aside from the occasional
raids by dogs and wild ''varmints, would en-
counter few dangers. 1t should become one of
our paying industries
Silk raising is yet another occupation,
especially adapted for women and children,
that has been sadly neglected. The natural
food of these insects, the nlorus nlulttcnulis,
grows here most luxuriantly and with start
ling rapidity. Stick twig down anywhere
in our sandy soil, and it is speedily rooted, and
becomes In a year or two vigorous, flourish
ing tree. The first brood of worms will come
to maturity in this climate before they ara
Matched out at the North, and it is possible to
utilize two or more broods during the same
season. This is a great advantage, and should
be appreciated by those who design engaging
in this business It is time for our people to
investigate this matter.
Ocala is one of our inland towns that is feel
ing to her very centre the tread of progress
Lands are advancing in value, houses are
being erected, and to cap the climax a large
and handsome hotel is in course of construc-
ton. 1t is situated in the midst of fertile
and attractive country especially adapted to
the growth of semi-tropical productions, and
her future prosperity IS assured. Two of the
largest orange groves in the State are located
in Marion county. All that fine region south
of Ocala will soon be traversed by railroads
and the people are exulting in the approach
ing Millennium. An immense impetus has
already been given to the whole community,
and the dawn Of brighter day is fast and
surely rising.
Pensacola is looking daily for the arrival Of
be laid on the road between that city and the
Chattahoochee river, and expects to receive a
similar CONSIGNMENT monthly.
ION to Leesburg" Is the cry of the South
Florida Railroad, and large force is hurrying
up the work with commendable expedition.
The Florida Southern is pushing might and
main not to be left behind, and is manifesting
xrrose ne ST Johnis river opposite Jack