The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-09-14
For the Central Presbyterian.
South Florida in August,
BY REV. D. o. DAVIES, D. D.

BUSINESS compelling a visit to Florida
In the month of August, the trip was un-
dertaken with some misgivings. The
weather was torrid and horrid in Ken
lucky and Virginia; and although Flori-
dams had been eloquent on the delights
of their summers, incredulity would hint
slight exaggeration in the "strange
story of refreshing days and cool nights
In that low latitude. Preparation for
semi-tropical heats was therefore sought
in an ocean trip by the "Old Dominion
Line" to New York, and after visit to
Long Branch, in a sea voyage from
Gotham to Savannah. Needless precau-
ton For while the trips were greatly
enjoyed, the surprise and pleasure OF
Florida in August were complete, and
will linger long refreshing memory.
They have no such heats as we endure in
Kentucky, Virginia, and Missouri. 1t
is comparatively cool all the time. The
sunshine is warm, of couree--even "hot. 4"
if you please-but even 1t is tempered
by the Atlantic breezes, while in the
shade and at night it is delightful
breezy, refreshing, invigorating. The
mercury never goes as high as with us,
and there is none of that close sultriness
which makes our heated terms so oppres-
sive. The marine influence is constant
and decided. The length of their sum-
mers is the only real drawback; and this
must be serious matter until one be-
comes thoroughly acclimated.
Their summer fruits and vegetables
are varied and fine. The pineapple,
taken ripe from the plant will itself
repay visit. Those who have eaten
this fruit as offered in our Northern mar
kets, either canned, or brought long dis
tances after being cut green" know
nothing of what luscious morsel it is,
when eaten just from the plant. Instead
OF the acrid, woody apple of commerce,
you get sweet, spicy, fragrant mass of
semi-fuid ambrosia or semi-solid nectar,
such as Ganymede or Hebe might we'll
have been glad to distribute at the
Olympic feasts of old. So of their mel
ons, and figs, and grapes, and bananas,
and pears, and pome-granates, and SO on,
through long list of delicious fruits.
But no description can give an adequate
idea OF what the Florida summer is. One
must experience it to understand.
1t is busy land, full of energy and
activity. The progress and improve
ments made in ten months-since my
last visit-were startling. In few States
can there have been more accomplished.
Church work hardly keeps pace with
other things. Our own Church is not
doing what it should. Rev. J. A. Kim
mons, formerly of Mississippi, was found
doing good work, with Leesburg, Sum
ter county, as his home and centre of OPP
erations.
Rev. Gilbert Gordon, recently from
Kentucky, is getting fairly at work in
Volusia county, with Lake Beresford as
his new point of departure. He has been
preaching part of the time in Orange
county, but hereafter will confne his
labors chiefly to Volusia, where he has a
promising field. Friends will be glad to
know that Mr.. Gordon's health is already
much improved. Young Gordon was
seen at Lake Beresford, in Florida uni
form, full Of pluck and hopeful of success
in growing an orange grove. Not quite
as student-like as when seen at Central
University last June, he is the same
energetic, clever young gentleman. I'm
fortunately, none of the other brethren
were seen, except Rev. w. H. Dodge, OF
Jacksonville, who, as Chairman of Do
nestle Mission from st. Johns Presby-
terry, is doing what he can to overtake
the great destitutions of this rapidly
growing field. He needs funds. This is
the pressing want. The field is white
for harvest, and laborers can be had to
gather sheaves into the garner of the
Lord. Money is the only or chief thing
lacking. Who will help?
The lack of pastoral care and religious
privileges is the saddest feature of South
Florida life. AS I visited the people in
their homes, and heard from Christian
women the story of their trials, mothers
burying their children and wives bury
ing their husbands, with all the other
ills of life in new country, without the
consultations of the gospel ministry, it
made my heart ache to think of all they
were called to endure. And while doing
what 1 could to give balm of grace to
bleeding hearts, it was only in a passing
ministry that I could serve. They need,
they want regular ministry, pastoral
and evangelistic.
There is beautiful stretch of country
of lake and pine forest and hammock
lying between lakes Eustis, Griffin,
and Yale, which is on the edge of Rev.
Mr.. Kimmons' field, and which is wait
ing for settlers. Those already there