Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-02-16

JACKSONVILLE, February 15.-As the second
dredge, designed to be employed in the drain
age Of Lake Okeechobee, has been launched,
it cannot be long ere some positive results will
be accomplished. The first, which was built
at Cedar Keys, is now cutting its way from
Lake Flint, on the Caloosahatchie, towards the
great lake, whose waters it is intended to
lower. 1t will be necessary for this boat to
effect some eight or ten miles of canaliDg ere
it can enter Okeechobee.
The vessel, constructed on Lake Tahopeks-
liga, will probably be at first employed in
strengthening some bends in the Kissimmee
river, by which many miles of navigation will
be saved, and which will result in the reclama
tion of an immense area of very valuable
lands on the borders of Tahopekaliga, sheet
Of water sixteen miles in length by three or
four in breadth.
These vessels are such as have been used so
successfully by the Louisiana Reclamation
Company about the mouth of the Mississippi.
They possess great power, and it is thought
that by working double gang of hands and
running them day and night, toat they can cut
q mile each week.
The course Of the Kissimmee is very tortu-
ous aud the banks on either side are lined by a
wide expabse of saw grass with here and there
a small hummock. The scenery is said to be
rather monotonouS. On the Caloosahatchie
there is much to interest and instruct the trav-
eler, and both rivers, when opened to naviga-
tion, will be largely frequented by tourists
Passengers and freight can then find an outlet
either to the Gulf or Atlantic 1t is believed
that the Kissimmee will flow through Okee-
chobee, on its way to the ocean, Just as the ST.
Johns now runs through Lakes George and
Monroe, and that the current will cut channel
to the underlying stratum of limestone.
All of this immense region which it is pro-
posed to drain and render suitable for cultiva-
ton, comprehending an area of eight millions
of acres, is peculiarly adapted to the growth
of sugar-cane. and is of sufficient extent to
supply the United States with that important
product The analysis of the soil, made by
Prof. Rogers, who fills the chair of chemistry
in the University Of Pennsylvania, shows soil
of wonderful fertility. He found it to consist
Of e5 per cent. of animal and vegetable matter.
81 so per cent. of carbonate of lime, 81 so of
silica or sand, with trace of iron and water
not driven of at 212 deg. Those who have
studied agricultural chemistry will discover in
these figures a soil of uneoualed richness and
just what is required for the growth OF sugar
cane regarded as one of the most exhaustive
of all crops. The heaviest yield of sugar ever
made in Florida, four hogsheadS to the acre.
was produced on land of this description.
Gentlemen who have passed several weeks
Of the present winter in Cuba have informed
me that the sugar planters of that island are
looking to the operations of the Okeechobee
Company with great interest and attention
They say that the taxes and internal revenue
duties. amounting to 25 or 30 per cent, are so
onerous that they are acting as prohibition
and cannot be endured much longer, and that
they intend as soon as the Okeecnobee is
drained to remove to Florida with their ma
chinery and skilled labor.
In the favored region9of South Florida the
sugar cane reaches its full development of
maturity, going annually to tassel, and having
ample time to convert its starch and crude
juices into saccharine matter. The fear of
frost being removed, the producer can cut his
crop just as it suits his convenience, and can
grind it at his leisure. In Louisiana, on the
contrary, the planter is often compelled in
view of a sudden reduction of the Temperature
to gather his entire crop with the greatest ex-
pedtion, and even then is frequently subjected
20 great loss, and sometimes to utter ruin
Besides the young cane Is occasionally severely
injured by frosts as late as April, disaster
that never happens in South Florida.
Asa striking evidence Of the advantages that
this section possesses in point of climate let
me give the experience of Mr. H A. Houeh
who resides on Twelve Mile creek q tributary
Of the Caloosahatchie river. This gentleman |
had the misfortune in January 1881 to have
his suger mill destroyed by fire before his crop
of cane had been harvested. He was unable to |
replace the building until the following April |
when the cane was cut and ground, making a |
full average yield or superior sugar and syrup.
for which the highest prices were obtained In |
what other part of this wide country could /
such result have been accomplishedS In this |
section it is only necessary to replant cane once
in seven years, as the stubble will rattoon
proftably for that period Of time
The importance of the addition Of this huge |
area to the agricultural resources Of the conn
try. and OF its cultivation in cane. can be com.
pretended, when the statistics show that we /
paid out from 1S47 to 1879. a period of thirty |
two years, the enormous sum of 81, 500 0O0, COO |
for the products OF the sugar cane. Now
every pound OF this great staple can be pro
duced in South Florida that is needed for con |
sumption within the United States, and this |
ouittowlng strain of w alth can be retained at |
home. The soil and climate OF South Florida /
must speedily attract the attention they de- |
serve, and the time is coming when their pro-
ducts Will rival in value the Weld Of the
precious metals from the Western mines.
But, besides sugar these lands will return
large and remunerative crops or rice, tobacco
jute indigo, and the whole long catalogue of
tropical fruits Railroads will soon be stretch
ing along the eastern portion Of the peninsula
and this great area. equal in extent to the com.
bined territory Of Connecticut, Rhode Island,
New Jersey and Delaware, will speedily invite |
an industrious and thrifty population.
Our harbor is now enlivened by the presence
Of several handsome yachts, steam and sail
and their owners, with the proverbial liberaIifv |
of sailors frequently take parties Of friends IN
excursions. This noble river offers ereat |
attections in this respect, and the number Of |
these pretty and graceful vessels continues to
increase with each successive winter The !
yachtsmen are able to combine the virtres |
of hospitality with the pleasure afforded nv |
congenial society and the ever varying scenery
of our broad and charming river
Jacksonville is fortunate in being certroll,v
located, and her position gives her great ad
vantages, not only In attracting, but IN retain |
ing ner full complement OF visitors Strangers
can leave the city In the morning, and visit ST
Augustine, Palatka, Fernandina Green Cove |
Springs Mandarin, Mayport and other places
spending several hours in each and returnfne, |
Ior supper. ms opportunity is seized by
many, and the various lines reap a rich har.
vest. Excursion tickets are sold at a low rate |
ana bring quite handsome revenue to the |
various lines: Some Of the boats carry a band
OF music, and those so disposed can indulge
In the light fantastic.
Yesterday was the festival of st. Valentine
ana lender mlssives were sent and received by
hun ireds The post Office authorities were
busly engaged in distributing Cupid's epistles.
the legitimate uses of the Gay are however.
desecrated by the practice, which prevails in
modern days, OF sending out broadcast those
hideous daubs and caricatures that reflect
upon personal or mental peculiarities, and
often infict serious pain and modification
such custom is cowardly and unmanly, and
should be honored rather In the breach than in
the observance
Several fast horses have arrived, and are
quartered at the fair grounds, where thev are
being trained and exercised. Everything leads
to the belief that the exhibition will be the
best ever had in this city Such has been the |
mildness Of the winter that nothing in the way