Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1882-03-22
From Our Florida Friends.

From Our Florida Friends.
DAYTONA, Fla. March 10, 1882.
Editor Of the Transcript: Time has
passed S" rapidly with us since we came
here that we Can scarcely realize that the
winter is already gone, and it will soon ;
be time for US to- go north. 1t is the ex-
perience of every one here that the lays !
pass almost unno,iced, and the weeks |,
seem very short. The winter has been
UNUSUALLY PLEASANT
It's said. We were visited by three or
four 'Nsrthers," in November and Dc.
cember, when cold winds blew from the
north with dark clouds and ram. Aside
from that, the days have been sunny and
pleasant, warm enough to admit IF hav.
ing our doors and windows open. but not
too warm for comfort. 1t is the opinion
of many that there are more pleasant
days during the year here than in any 9th.
er place. Because it is so mild ia Florida
during the winter it is often Inferred that
the summers are uncemfsrtably warm
but Northern people who reside here
unite in saying that they prefer the sum-
mer here to the summer north, as less dis
comfort from warm weather is expert.
enced. The heat Of the sun is more in-
tense, but there is always refreshing
breeze. There are no cold days during
the summer to necessitate the use of
extra clothing or fires. 1t is different
however in the interio. of the state where
the heat is more oppressive, so that Day
'ona and other places along the coast are
visited in summer by many persons from
other parts of Florida who desire COM
Portable homes during the summer
months. Several families have spent 4
part of the summer in cottages over on
the ocean beach, finding it an agreeable
change
suRF-BATH1NG.
The beach here is said to be as flne, il
not finer, Tor surf bathing than at many
Of the popular resorts at the north. Bath
ing is INDUCED in here at all seasons Of
the year, and all, both residents and Wis
itors, seem 10 participate IN it and to en-.
joy it, Surtbathing is exhileratihg and
he"lthful in its effect, and wi,hal an
enjoyable pastime. The river affords
better opportunities for swimmers an.
those learning to swim, as it is quiet, and
so shallow that u Chi Id Can wade from
the shore to the oy ster bar that lies
parallel with the shore one-fnurth Of Il
mile out in the river. But in summer the
river is abandoned BY the FATHERS owing
t. The presence Of alligatOrs.
IT Is NOW SPRING IN FLORIDA.
New leaves have appeared on many
trees ard vines, aud evergreen trees are
making new growth OF brighter green.
Oranges have been picket and sold, save
wild ones, which will remain upon the
trees two or three months longer. .nd the
trees are Nil !, blossom. OIeander trees,
after resting six weeks, are coming into
full bloom 10 blossom until next winter.
| Wild flowers are more abundant. Roses
have been 10 bloom all winter but are
now mere plentiful. The markets now
afford Strawberries, lettuce. radishes, and
there will soon be new potatoes. 1t Is
the season for planting groves, and many
Young orange trees have b, en- set out.
The young groves are thrifty and add a
very interesting feature 10 The landscape.
NEW RAILROAD.
OF late we have been visited by party
Of railroad men who are surveying road
from Seville to DaytOna; So We expect
5000 to have convenient means Of travel ,
AID the stir and excitement of the out
side world will BIZ more percepuble
here, though we quite enjoy our present
quiet surroundings:
THE FOREST.
In Florida much Of the forest is in It's
natural state. Settlers, instead of clear
ing the land, accommodate themselves 10
It and build their houses among tAe trees.
Even land for gardens or groves is only
partially cleared, the palmetto trees be-
ing left.
SILENT ACTIVITY.
The river banks are free from docks,
save Il few narrow wharves extending out
into the river to deep water There is
one saw mill here, otherwise no factories,
or mills, or steam cars, or STEAMBOATS,,
nor horses aid wagons, no church b, lis
nothing to break the quiet. Life MY be
busy aud active here as elsewhere but il
is much more quiet. S4ilboa,s 70 up
and down the river constantly; sioops
and sch0Oners come with freight and
anchor opposite the town, and men "a
lout with smell boats to get our freight,
but it is all seen and not heard. Laborers
use NO noisy machinery in the groves
hut work almost as the trees grow, silent
~. Life here is somewhat like the i'm
pressiOns one receives from reading Bry
aDt-ot restful contemplation If the beau
: tful IN nature; OF An exquisite conscious
ness Of the mysteries If nature, and =
happy el jOyircnt OF the earthly home
hat Cod has made beautiful Tor U.s.
!, There Is u charm in seeing portion ol
D the earth in lis orig inal state, the ocean
D stretching away t. meet the sky, or beat
= ing against the shore with All entiles.
y roar; III. deep and uubruken forest T. i'll
lis wealth Of vegetation, its mys,eriou:
r shadows and its impressive silence. w,
. appreciate what must have been the feel
Jugs OF the first civilized visitors to ou
cUulinent.
Il TO ENJOY FLORIDA LIFE
!: lone must be out If doors much If lii,
: lime. One soon lie. rms to ride in sail o.
low boa', or IL walk long distances; AMI
the peripatetic explorer or pleasure
seeker is soon able, even, IL avail himself
"f the use Ut cart. A mule and two
wheel Car: constitutes what is called her,
u ''tcam;'' and is used for various pur
;. poses about The groves rs well rs upOr
Inc roat. Many visitors come from
= neighb"ring towns to Daytona by mule
aud Cart, and ladies tr, quently ride il
The Cart. T" use this conveyance IN tru'
> l"Cracker" <ltIe The driver should rid
=, upon The mule's back leaving the cart fu
The load or passengers.
FISHING
4 is carried on here 10 some extent as a bu
siness, and also rs u recreation. Bass