The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1890-10-01

| 1US oranges ana OIn0f nall tropical fruits,
and winter garden vegetables, and in the
home comfort and magnifcence of it's
b otels.
The coast was first settled, and for
many years owned by the Spaniards, who
are not famous as pro gressive race;
and the country was almost inaccessible
| except by sailing vessels. All that is now
| changed. Live Americans have taken
| possession OF that region, and connected
it with the rest of the country by rail
roads.
Half dozen of these greatest of social
and commercial civilzers and mission
aries now connect the east coast with the
great railroad system that embraces the
continent. Freight cars loaded with Or
anges, Strawberries and other Florida
products in their season, go direct to the
great Northern and Western markets.
Every day, all through the summer, visi-
tors from the heated interior towns step
out of the cars into cool forests of oaks
and palm trees, and find new life and Wig
Or in the fresh breeze that comes from
the sea. They find new and rare sport
in the surf, Or in gathering shells along
the dazzling white beach. And every day
all winter long, passengers from the ice
here into the mild air of summer; and as
they wander delighted among gardens
and orange groves, the invalids soon for
get their rheumatism, catarrhs and
coughs. In this way the long neglected
east coast of Florida is becoming the
great popular wa tering place and SANTA
rum of the nation all the year round.
In the midst OF all this wealth and
glory of ocean and forest scenery, of Or
ange groves, of summer shade and sea
breeze, of winter sunshine and delicious
climate, stands the little New England
village Of Hawks Park. 1t is pleasantly
situated on ike west bank of Hillsboro
River, a tidal stream, or rather bay, of
deep water, navigable for sea- going ves-
sells, and but five miles south of the Inlet.
1t is on high, dry ground, with perfect
natural drainage and healthy. 1t is in
the greatest honey producing region of
the coast, and in the Indian River orange
belt.
All things considered, it is the most
favorable natural location Tor village
that can be found within many miles
around. The Hawks Park Company was
recently organized in New York City for
the purpose of improving and beautify
ing the place, and making it the most de-
sirable resort for winter visitors. or for
permanent settlers, anywhere in this
country, North or South.
There follows lengthy list of owners
of orange groves and other property
ED.
Nearly all the groves front on the river
Or on "Ridgewood Avenue" When the
trees are in full bloom in March the air is
loaded with rich perfume, over the whole
neighbOrhOod.
The beekeepers in the neighbour cd are
Hewitt, Olson, Storer, Poppleton and
Hart. Mr.. Harris crop of honey this
year was over seven tons. Several other
bearing groves are in the hardwood for
est two miles west, and on the east side
of the river. One OF the very best kept
and thriftiest groves is that of J. P. Mar
shall, of Bradford, on the west side of
RidgewOOd. 1t is bOuntifully supplied
with leaf mold from the bordering forest
and constant use OF the hoe and cultiva-
| tor do not permit weed to go to seed.
The dark green rank growing foliage
| show the care that is taken of the grove.
| Whether seen full of white bloom in the
spring, half grown fruit in summer, or
ripe yellow fruit in winter, it is a promi-
nent and beautiful feature in the land
scape scenery, and is a promise of many
golden harvests in the future.-J. M. H.,