The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-03-30
FROM MIDDLE FLORIDA.
MONTICELLO - LIE CONTE PEARS
MORE PROFITABLE THAN THE
ORANGE

hassee-Leon Hotel-Manager Ogles-
by and the Proposed Annex of Forty
Rooms-Gas Plant-Cotton Compress
Real Estate Movements-Th Plant
Extension--A Flattering Future-The
Ramie Plant-The Press-P Official.
Among the picturesque towns of Middle
Florida Monticello holds conspicuous po-
sition The business part of the place is
perfectly level, but outside of the public
SQUARE the surface is undulating and even
billy, while everywhere magnificent shade
trees lift their outrageous heads, and YER
dant orchards of graceful pear stock greet
the vision. The promise of large yield
of pears next summer is unprecedented
The trees are laden with thrice the amount
of fruit the limbs can uphold, and if they
do not cast much of it, the surplus must be
threshed off. After diigent inquiry
learn that the apprehensions of
BLIGHT
are groundless. Where the trees have
"died back" or failed to thrive, it has been
owing to neglect. and slovenly cultivation.
Indeed, according to the testimony of Rev.
t. w. Moore, who is the owner of an ex-
tensive orange grove in South Florida, and
pear orchard also in this vicinity, and
many Others, pear culture is the more
profitable and certain source of revenue.
Peradyenture, should the market be
glutted with green fruit which seldom hap
pens, they can be evaporated, and in that
state sell readily at 2Oc per pound. The
expense of raising and keeping up an
orange grove also is mucn heavier, and the
pear is exempt from the numerous insects
which play havock with the former nor is
it ever destroyed by frost.
Monticello has been visited by
CROWDS OF TOURISTS
this season. Mr.. Partridge, the proprietor
of the most popular hotel In the town
where l was very agreeably entertained)
says his house has been full ever since De-
cember. The Madden Hotel too has been
literally patronized, as well as the private
boarding places. Among the latter, the
Scott House is particularly desirable from
its fine location and elegant accommoda-
tions.
Real estate here is approaching rapidly
and sales are almost of daily occurrence.
But the great want of the country is the
capital of the opulent North, and an influx
of sturdy immigrants and skilled labor
from Europe. With this object in view
E. B. BAILEY,
special Agent of the Emigration Associa-
ton of Florida was sent to confer with the
railway magnates and steamship lines of
the North and East and secure, if possible,
low passage on shipboard, and reduced rail
road fares for all who can be induced to
come to Florida and build up homes for
themselves in this region. Unfortunately
the attempt was made too late in the sea-
son, but Mr.. Bailey who is a son of the late
Gen. Bailey, and himself a large land
owner, was assured that all that was asked
for would be granted next fall.
THE RAILROAD SITUATION.
1t is now almost reduced to a certainty
that Monticello will soon be connected with
the Savannah, Florida and Western rail
road
jefferson county has offered to donate in
cash or its equivalent in land over SIS, 5000,
also to guarantee the right of way from
the Georgia Line to Monticello and furnish
suitable depot site to the company. The
Savannah, Florida and Western to build,
equip, operate and own the branch line
This proposition was submitted in due
form to the Board of Directors, by whom
it is understood, the whole matter was re-
ferred to President Plant for his decision
At this writing, nothing definite is known
as to the result. That the connection will be
made in the near future, however, is the
general belief.
THE TOWN IMPROVING.
Several new stores have been opened re-
Gently in Monticello, and a handsome
Methodist church is about to be construct
ed at a cost of Sc, 600 A furniture factory
will also be in operation shortly. The re-
cent cold snap, albeit ice was seen for three
successive mornings did but little damage
to the early vegetables, owing to the pre-
vslence of high winds which prevented the
formation of hoarh frost with its blighting
touch.
GOOD FARMING.
Mr.. T. B. Simkins, who resides here,
gathered II heavy bales of cotton from 10
acres, one of which of superior staple and
excellence, may be seen at the Sub-Tropical
Exposition. The same individual harvested
100 bales from fifteen-mule plantation.
THE PARADISE OF sPoRTsMEN.
A regular sporting club has been organ
lied i'll Monticello, and on one of their re-
cent hunts 400 birds were bagged. A sin
gle member, Mr.. Simkins, brought down as
many as &c, and then the next day in a
trial of skill at shooting clay pigeons his
hits were few and far between. This was
doubtless because the game was not good
to eat. After the hunt the whole party, in
Guiding number of amateur tourists par
4 took of asumptuous dinner at the Partridge
House.
The large hotel at Monticello still remains
unfinished and in in statu quo. What a
bonanza the proprietors would have en-
joyed the present season had it been opened
to the public.
must beg the reader to hasten with me
d now to Florida's ancient capital
BEAUTIFUL TALLAHASSEE.
Here, if lucky enough to secure room at
the Leon Hotel, he will be lodged, fed and
h cared for fully as well as at the st. James,
Everett or Windsor in Jacksonville. The
only difference is in the size of the respec-
tive structures. So far as relates to the
cooking, bill of fare, beds and personal at
Il tention of the servants and walters, the
Leon cannot be excelled.
Mr.. L. Oglesby, the manager, is one OF
q the most courteous and popular hotel men
in the South, and is ably assisted in the Of
flee by D. w. Sweetland, OF Chicago, the
polite cashier and room clerk.
The public will be pleased to learn that
4 that Mr. Oglesby will continue at the helm
next fall, and extensive and elegant add
tons to his hotel have bsen decided upon.
These in part, will embrace an annex OF
FORTY BEDROOMS
with clothes press in each, and fifteen of
/ them provided with baths.
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