Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1885-08-28
remain. which constitute the sponge.

remain. which constitute the sponge
o. commerce.
what a delight is the first visit to
tropical town-the first sensations of a
balmy atmosphere born of a continued
trade-wlnd, the characteristic '.trade"
that moves so quietly during the winter
season IN this semi-tropical region, and
IS SO tempered as nimbly and sweetlv
to recommend itself unto our gentle
senses. We wildly remember the de-
lights and indescribable sensations of
u nrst visit with the rigors of a New
England winter air but Just shaken off.
A 1ull noon was just visible over the
feathery tops of innumerable cocoa
palms as we landed, and the mellow
light sparkled exquisitely on their leaf
let's; their sharp outlines. too, against
the sky, with the ~pervading odor Of
llme' lemon, and jessamine, told q
radical change of scene. Still more, at
the entrance to IL friends grounds
were these wondrous1y new sensations
IND aspects increased; enhanced by
more characteristic odors and forms Of
foliage. The air was redolent with
Jessamine, and, above all, the verandas
revealed the delicate lawns and linens
OF summer costumes, and a peculiar
and captivating hospitality heightened
the enjoyment of this our first expert
ence OF the tropics. To the present
visitor, the then inevitable Venus in
partl-colored turban, passing the deli
cate, refreshing cocoanut water and
curacao, and the grateful services of
Cato, with fan in hand, are things of
the past.
The cocoanut. before it's white meat
has become solid, is jelly-like, and this
in all stages from the nearly liquid
form is esteemed a luxury, and served
at luncheon or to evening callers dur
ing the warmer season. The cocoanuts
will be observed to be in all stages
upon the tree, from the beautiful corn
colored Towering group, resembling
large tassels of corn, to the perfect
nuts, which require constant care to
prevent their dropping on the heads
of stranger sojourners. Those ina
tive here and to the manner born, in
stinctively cast an eye above when
passing. The glory of Key West 10
the abundant distribution of the cocoa
palm. The young and grandly flowing
fronds and leaflets, as we'll as the tall
trunks. with their graceful umbrella
tops, contribute to an unaccustomed
eye a scene of marvellous beauty.
There is a curious sound, Stimulating
falling rain, produced by the gentle
movements of the leaflets over each
other; this when but little air is stir
ring. Could the beauties of these
semi-tropical towns be cumulative, a
wondrous aspect would be the result;
but the recurrence at certain periods
of heavy gales. amounting to hurri-
canes, strips nearly everything Of veg
etable form.
Besides many plants and trees indi-
genous to semi-tropical regions, others
of more pronounced tropical culture
have been introduced. The Geiger tree
is perhaps the most attractive, on &C
count of its large snowy red flowers
that look more appropriate to a low
plant than a tree, and its large snowy
leaves. Captain Geiger, an old either
of Key West, in the earlier times. ant
a noted wrecker, brought this tree tt
Key West from Cuba; and, no one be
ing sufficiently acquainted with botany
to name it, it was called as above. 1
is the Cordia sebestina Linn. In tn
Jesup collection of the trees of Americ'
there is a good example of this tree
and a fine painting of its leaves an,
flowers. At the period of our first visi
! in 1858, several trees had recently beel
introduced, notably the royal palm
The visitor in Havana will enjoy tn
grand examples of this tree on tn
) plaza of the Captain-General's palace
The stately and architectural trunk
and the rich green of the leaflets o
fronds render these trees EXCEPTIONAL,
attractive. The date palm is another
: of nearly equal interest. 1t require
about seven years for the tree to reac]
the period of bearing fruit. w
CHANGED to remain in the reef regio,
: Just long enough to see the fruit com
to perfection. Several gardens Of tn
old residents of Key West are embe]
lished by the date palms, whose thor
oughly tropical aspect, varied by til
: cocoa palms, first breaks upon the vie,
of the Wis tor as he approaches tn
e island.-Cor. N. Y. EUening Post.