Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-03-16

mana Lno mOQeSG SUN OF uTLY c6nCS Tor q Talr
specimen. Indian river and the coral islands
around Key West should not only supply this
State, but to considerable extent, the whole
country, with this delicious dainty, at popular
prices Writers tell us that as many pineapples
can be grown on an acre as cabbages, and that
the cultivation of the one is neither more Tiff
cult, costly or laborious than the other. In
these days of rapid transit and quick transpor
tation, even this perishable fruit cen be carried
to remote points with comparative safety,
while the elegance of its appearance, rich
flavor and delightful fragrance will always
render it general favorite. The canned arti-
c'e in which shape it is usually known to the
majority OF its admirers, bears about as much
resemblance to the matured fruit, lust plucked
from the parent stalk, as the early efforts of
one of the masters to his productions when at
the zenith of his glory. 1t is refreshing to
know that this n 1ble fruit has found some
votaries. and that in very few years we may
hope to hear Of broad plantations devoted to
its cultivation, where now can be seen only
paltry patches.
So, too, the stately cocoa palm has risen to
the surface and thousands upon thousands of
years upon the southern portion OF the in
sula. Many of the keys around Key West have
been utilized for this purpose. where the soil,
climate and salt atmosphere insure rapid
growth and abundant harvests. Lieutenant
Governor Bethel is ore of those who has been
foremost in this respect, and his enterprise
gives every promise of success and profit
Quite a treasure-trove was opened to
or more ago, in the wreck OF yes
sci, laden with cocoanuts from
South America. They gathered the cargo,
which had drifted ashore, and carefully con-
signing it to mother earth, have now the salts
faction of seeing promising groves of young
trees springing up around their dwellings.
The great demand for the pulp Of this nut
for confectionery purposes, and in factories
that prepare the article in dessicated cOndi-
ton, has of late greatly increased its value. 1t
will bear in South Florida in six years after
20 Far
very long period Like the banana, the cocoanut
has no special season for fruiting, and frequent
ly blooms every month in the year Aside
from the nut which it bears, the tree is valuable
for its ornamental appearance, and for the
many and various purposes to which almost
every portion of the trunk and foliage can be
applied. The rough, fibrous outer coverings
of the nut is extensively used IN the East In
dies for cordage and in this country is con-
verted into cocoa mating. The oil expressed
from the nut is used for Illuminating purposes,
and forms the basis Of the finest soaps. The
sap, obtained from making inciSions into
the unexpanded, is converted into sugar syrup,
vinegar, and by fermentation that intoxicat-
ing drink known as arrack. 1t Is one OF the
most useful and valuable of the many varieties
of the palm family
The use of tobacco for smoking purposes is
growing with the increase of population, and
Americans are as fond Of the weed as are their
transatlantic brethren of Germany and Tur-
key. The cultivation Of tobacco which, pre-
vious to the war, had assumed some import
tance especially in Gadsden county, has again
been revived to some extent. Quite number
of persons are now experimenting in a small
way in raising the leaf, from Cuba seed, and
the samples shown at the late fair were of very
superior quality. Manufacturers stand ready
to take ali that can be produced at remuner
ative prices, while there are plenty of Cuban
cigar makers in our midst fully competent to
twist the rough leaf into finished Havana
that will deceive any except an expert.
The orange should not be allowed to over
shadow all other industries Skill, enterprise
and capital can find, and should find, other
channels for their employment. Florida con-
tains so many avenues to independence and
comfort that no one road should be exclu.
sively travelled. A diversity of Industries
should be encouraged and practiced as tend
ing to the general prosperity. This idea is
advancing and gaining strength, and the more
rapidly it is propagated the better for the com
munity. This is the part of prudence, and
wise men will provide against all possible con-
tingencieS.
The report of the State Comptroller for the
year 1881 makes a most favorable exhibit of
its financial condition. The assessed value Of
property over that of the preceding year shows
an increase of four and half millions. With
the showing made 1t is reasonable to believe
that the State tax for 1883 can safely be re-
duced to five mills on the dollar. Every de-
mand against the treasury ls promptly hqui-
dated, and propositions to loan money to the
State by outside capitalists are frequently de-
clined. The per cent. bonds OF Florida can
not be obtained at 125. the holders preferring
of Florida is gilt-edged. and the reputation of
none Of her sister States stands higher in the
money market.
steady current is now setting Northward,
and the departures exceed the arrivals.
March is known proverbially as q treacherous
month, and those who reach home to encoun-
ter alternately the blizzards and thaws or their
changeable climate, Sill sigh for the green
trees and springing flowers that they left be-
hind. Still, however, the hotels have but faW
spare accommodations, and the fact is becon-
ing patent that their capacity must be enlarged.
or that new caravansaries must be erected. 1t
Is also perfectly evident that Florida must con-
tinue to be the Mecca to which the eyes Of in
valids and tourists will turn for all time to
come and that the procession OF pilgrims to
this favorite winter resort will, with each re-
curing season, steadily increase. There Is but
one Florida in the United States and she en-
bodies all that Is desired by the afflicted, the
fashionables and the pleasure seekers.
The Dungeness estate on Cumberland Island,
Just opposite Fernandina, has been purchased
by a wealthy Pennsylvania, who intends to
restore the property 10 its former attractive
ness. splendid mansion is to be erected on
the site of the old family residence, and the
spacious garden and grounds will bloom again
with their old beauty. 1t will be remembered
that one of the objects OF General X: Z: Lees
view the grave of his father, Light Horse Harry
Lee, of the Revolution. whose remains lie in the
cemetery Of Dungeness
Another of the suburbs of Jacksonville has
assumed the garb Of manhood, and now re-
joices In the glory of a Mayor and Town Coun-
Gil. The new candidate for municipal dignities
will be known as Fairfield; and forms por-
tion of the district called the East Jacksonville
precinct. With the course Of time all these
outlying frontiers will most probably be
absorbed by this city. The street railway is
now being extended into Brooklyn, one Of our
environs the first step perhaps towards annex
alton.
Although our annual municipal election is to
take place in less than three weeks, but very
L 20 ho otta Al.
subject This is contrary to the usual practice,
as heretofore there have always been unu-
sual stir and activity among the small politi-
clans for months previous to the momentous
constructing subterranean mine intended TO
shelter the ranks of their opponents, for this
unusual quietude may indicate masked bat
terry. The contest again promises TO be
struggle between the better aud worse ele
ments of the population, as was the case at the
preceding election. but it Is to be hoped that
the policy OF the present CITY government s VIII
be perpetuated, and the triumph OF law, order
ana decency again be assured:
Oranges steadily rise in value as the crop
becomes exhausted, and 1t requires six dollars
now to purchase a crate OF good quality
Strawberries and Japan plums are now abund-
ant. and will soon be within range OF average
pockets. Vegetables are fast coming into sea-
son, and in Sumter county tne hapPy, people
are luxuriating upon roasting ears. IL no ac-
cident occurs, there will be ripe peaches
towards the last Of April, or the first OF May
and melons will put in an appearance about
the same neriod Such has been the midness
of the winter up to this time, that vegetation
of all descriptions has received no check ard
the growth OF fruit trees has been unexampIed
The report of the city agent Of the State I'm
migration Bureau indicates that the outside
interest in Florida is unabated. Many Of the
inquiries are from foreign countries, the
writers seeking eagerly for information and
expressing the intention Of soon seeking homes
in Florida Heavy sales of real estate in this
city and throughout the interior are constantly
taking place, and the dealers in that branch OF
business pocket many good commissions.
Ex-senator Conover has taken of his coat,
rolled up his sleeves and is vigorously digging
and delving on his farm near Tallahassee,
where he is raising peas, potatoes. pumpkins
and all sorts of garden sass still keeping it is
said, an eye on the Tallahassee post office.
Another venerable Cincinnatus W.HB
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Cape San Bias Light.
WILMINGTON March Ii The irrhfhnr,co