The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1882-05-02

| ing control Of the steamer Sylvan Dell" from
Apalachicola, party Of Tallahasseans, number
ing over forty. last Friday chartered q special
train for ST. Marks, to take Trial trip on the
boat down the bay Leaving Tallahassee ct
| A. NJ, the train, under the charge Of Conductor
Dasher and Engineer johnson, soon LEFT the high
lands of Leon. and speeding through the heavily-
timbered pine forests of Wakulla, brought up at
ST. Marks after a pleasant run Of an hour and
| quarter.
Captain N. G. Felsher, commanding the Syl-
van Dell" not altogether expecting such sur
prise, was engaged in overhauling the beat gen.
orally, cleaning out the boilers, polishing the
machinery, removing an accumulation Of sea-
weed aud river grass from the propeller, and
making some improvements in the wood work
on deck but as soon as possible got his boat
under way and started down the river having
his party of delighted visitors seated on the up
per deck under wide-spreading awning The
ladies brought our their baskets, Mr. Walter his
decanters and demijohns Of wine, &c, and after
an excellent luncheon, all resigned themselves
to the dolce far nients of the delightful situation.
The weather was IS pleasant ~ could be desired,
the boat under us swim and staunch. so nothing
was wanting to make the enjoyment of the occa-
sion perfect Young ladies and gents amused
themselves with cards, or with riHe-popping at
alligator; and quite an excitement was created
when the boat, running through school Of
cavalyos, troll-line successfully hooked Q very
large specimen of this species Of the dnny tribe,
and he was triumphantly hauled on deck. Pass
ing the lighthouse, eight miles below st. Marks,
we entered upon the broad bay, and then, with
hats off and coats and vests unbuttoned, we in
hailed the glorious sea breeze to the fullest extent
of our lung capacity. In the distance the woods
Of James Island were plainly outlined on the
western horizon, and In the east, where the An
ella flows into the Gulf that famous, mysterious
smoke, called the Florida Volcano, was distinctly
visible. As this volume of smoke, rising In dense
masses, land whenever seen always In the same
spot,) is not seen at all times, we supposed that
bis Satanic Majesty got up this display Of his fire.
works for our special entertainment; If 90, he
found appreciative spectators
Nothing occurred to mar the pleasure of the
trip aud after cruising for some time In the Gulf
the boat was put bows on for 81 Marks, which
was reached at 8 P. NJ
After thanking Mr.. Walter and Captain Eel
sher for the courtesies extended u.s. and the loco
motive and steamer complimenting and bidding
goodbye to each other In shrill whistles, the
throttle was pulled wide open" and we sped
away for our homes in Tallahassee, which were
reached in time for Us to enjoy fresh Gulf fish
for supper.
1t may be stated here that many were deprived
of the pleasure OF this excursion through the rep
reservations Of some person that the boat was
mot saie," &c. For the enlightenment of those
who may wish to know, let me give my impress
sion of the sylvan Dell" The inspectors Ger
ti6cate, hanging in the cabin, states that she was
built in 1873, her tonnage So, engines (non-con-
densing), twO-thrd foot stroke OF piston, boiler
1914 feet long, feet diameter. The length of the
boat is 81 ieet, beam lover ally % feet. The
boiler was put into the boat three years ago, and
at that time had not been used Not content
with my own observations and information de-
rived from officers Of the boat, l had her machin-
cry and Its workings carefully examined by Mr.
johnson, one of the best engineers of the Florida
Central and Western Railroad Company, and he
satisfied me that in that regard she is all right
Your readers may remember that few weeks
ago several of our citizens entered into contract
with Mr. Walters by which the boat il to make
semi-weekly trips between St. Marks and Apa-
lachicoIs, touching ct and delivering freight,
mail and passengers at 81 Teresa flames Island)
and Carrabelle, from June to October Is, for
which Mr.. w. was guaranteed eight hundred
dollars The run from 81. Marks TO st. Teresa
will be made il three hours; fare not more than
two dolIan- Boat will connect with cars at 81.
Marks on Tuesdays and SATURDAYS.
Nothing now, Mr.. Editor, prevents our having
most delightful summer retreat on the adjacent
Gulf coast. The objection heretofore to James
Island, or ST. Teresa, Its inaccessibiliiy, is no
longer an obstacle. The place itself 10 the
bealthiest and most charming that could be &C.
lected-a long, high bluff for cottages, Ear above
the highest water mark, . beautiful sandy beach
extending for miles, bay land-l by sand
bars 20 unrufied that girls may safely row boats
over its waters, fine fishing and bathing, an
almost constant sea breeze, excellent water, but
few if any mosquitoes (saye In April and May,
and no malaria. What more can Be had for thnse
wishing to escape the feven aud long, hot, de-
biliiating summer Of the intericrf Then, all the
Injuries which home affords, such a. ice, vere-
tables, fruits, &c, can be bad, supplemented BY
such delicacies from the water a. Ash, crabs and
shrimp, with occasionally green turtle, and vent
son and other game brought In BY hunters on the
island
A hotel would. be great acquisition 10 the
place and source Of profit TO the owner.
He, for st. Teresa
"a g.