The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1884-04-17
On Steamer CITY Of Palatka,'

On Stea1nef ClGy Vi a4aIha,
April Sd, 1884.
EDITOR HERALD: Only a few
minutes ride from Leesburg and
we arrive at Lady Lake, and were
met at the cars by our genial friend,
Mr.. Samuel league, and are soon
seated in his land Agents Office.
Lady Lake is a new town of some
two months growth, and from the
stores now built, the new lumber
seen, the ring Of carpenters ham,
mers, the buzz of two new saw
mills, the vast number of lots sold,
together with the vim of the origi-
nal owners, will soon make a
town of considerable size.
Friend Samuel league proposes
to take us out to Col. S. P. Slighs,
as he seems to know the wants of
Newberry people, and he furnishes
a turnout of the very best, and on
we 60, viewing the many fine lake
fronts, soon to be filled by fine res
licences. We arrive at Sligh's ?,
0. kept by Mr.. Kinny, and here we
are shown q beautiful grove and
nursery of 2 years growth, showing
what an energetic man can do, this
gentleman escorted US to his poul-
try yard, where l saw 500 fowls;
how l wished for the editor, as some
Of the chicks were large enough to-
make O square meal, one hen car
ried as many as $50 chicks. After
leaving this beautiful place we next
arrived at Mrs. Melvin Sligh's, and
there met Mrs. Myrant, Of S. c.
Next We saw Mr.. Sam'l leagues
fine grove in the most fourishing
condition, having a beautiful lake
front on We passed to the home of
Col. S. P. Sligh's, who is a brother
of Rev. J. A. Slgh, Of Newberfy,
and are met by our friend, who
was suffering from Neuralgia, but
withal entertained us with the hos
pitality Of a true Floridian. Mrs.
Sigh soon greeted us with merry
words, and made us feel quite at
home. Here we met Prof. G. G.
Peck and his kind lady, who will
soon complete their house near by
and begin the culture of the orange.
Col. Sligh has the largest grove
seen in Florida, some Is acres
graded younger, just think of q
acres in oranges, when the fruit
often brings in a return of $40 to
$50 q tree, then tell me there is
profit in raising cotton ? if so then
how much greater and pleasanter in
oranges. Col. Slgh's mansion is
in proportion to his grove, in fact
the largest and best painted house
we have seen in Florida, some Of the
Palatka hotels excepted. Col. Sligh
has refused fifty thousand dollars
for his grove; he has some 4.000
acres land besides his grove, and
being from our county originally
can offer rare inducements to New
berrians who may cast their lot in
Florida. The hour for retiring ar
rived, we enjoy a good nights
sleep, and Sunday dawns here as in
Carolina. After a sumptuous break
fast, prepared by the madam as the
very wealthiest ladies do their own
cooking, We sat in an arm chair, in
the parlor and listened to some ex-
cellent sacred music by little Mol
lie and brother, apparently 6 to s
years Old, these children are gen
fuses and possess 4 rare musical
talent. AS no preaching is near,
being the 9TH Sabbath, Mr.. JEFF,
Sligh proposed we go to church at
Emerald Isle, and soon we were at
his large wharf in front Of his
house, and Of his many boats Sc
lected one, and soon we were on
Lake Griffin, Capt. jeff at the oars.
After q pleasant ride of some 3
miles We landed on the Isles, q fer
tile hammock fitted with beautiful
oange groves and pretty residences
and kind and hospitable people.
We were soon in church, and heard
a most excellent sermon by Rev.