The Dawson journal., 1883-02-22

VI JOUA PoPOA hebG
heard or read of the wonderful
st. Johns River, but they can
never form even faint idea of its
beauty until they see it with their
own eyes. [ was charmed with
my visit here last spring, but this
trip seems even more delightful
than that. Then I was out for the
purpose of regaining my lost
health; now | am here for the sole
purpose of rest and pleasure. To
one who has been closely confined
to his business for months and
years nothing can be more invigo-
rating than trip here in winter
time. 1t would be time and mon
ey well spent. Take the cars at
Dawson at 2:30 p. m, and arrive
in Jacksonville the next morning
at s o'clock. Stroll over the city
|
as long rs you choose, and then
board one of the elegant ocean
steamers for Palatka. Soon you
are steaming away up the river at
a rapid rate with soft breeze
gently tanning your cheek. After
leaving Jacksonville behind you,
the river gradually broadens out
until it attains the magnificent
width of five miles. In less than
three hours you reach Green
Cove Springs, thirty miles south
of Jacksonville. This is one Of
the most beautiful spots on the
river, and it seems to be favor
ite resort for the wealthy visitor.
After leaving Green Cove, you are
hurried along, now and then pass
ing some old Spanish village, and
then you come in full view of
beautiful orange groves, which
are the centre of attraction in
Florida. Soon, now, you have a
faint glimpse of Palatka. Watch
closely as your boat glides along,
and you have before you panora-
mas that are beautiful to behold.
Soon, now, you are landed at Pa
latka, in Putnam county, Is miles
south of Jacksonville. Here you
are allowed ample time to ''take in
the town." and the visitor will find
features there that are both inter
esting and instructive. Palatka is
the chief town south of Jackson
vile In point of commercial i'm
portance and as health and plea
sure resort. The streets are shad-
ed by wild orange trees, many of
which are now in full fruit and
flower, giving to the place quite
a pleasing and attractive appear
ance. This town was an old mill
tary port during the Indian war,
and few of the buildings that
were then used are now standing,
and many of the houses of the
place are built upon the frames or
with the timber of the old guant-
ers. After spending several hours
in this town you can then take
one of the smaller boats and con-
tinue up the river to Enterprise,
Sanford, and other points of less
Importance.
The history of the st. Johns
river is difficult for one to learn.
1t is a spacious body of water
which flows through East Florida
almost due North for 400 miles
until Jacksonville is reached. 1t
then runs directly East into the
Atlantic Ocean. It seems to be
formed by the numerous small
streams from the unexplored re-
gions of the Everglades, though
It's real source is yet unknown. [
should guess that there are few in
stances, if any, in the world that
presents a more tropical appear
ance along their whole course
than does this river. Its banks
are the principal attraction to
those in search of pleasant sur
roundings. Thousands of visitors
are scattered among its towns and
villages every winter, while those
OF sporting nature bring camp
equpages and pitch their tents in
the wild woods and picturesque
forests. The waters of the river
are of a dark blue, and slightly
brackish in taste. You find or
ange groves-bitter and sweet
dipping the gold-dappled boughs
into its tepid waters, and filling
the atmosphere in richest perfume.
| wish that every citizen of YOUR