Connecticut western news., 1895-03-28
OUR FLORIDA LETTER.


 another letter from MT Sheridan w. Barnes, dated The College Arms, De- Land, Fla, March 18th. The letter reads ss follows:
 Your letter received several days since, for which accept thanks, also for copies of THE CONN. WESTERN NEWS sent me weekly. Please send next issue to Palatka, as we expect to go there next week. Will leave here on Wednesday, 20th inst, for Winter Park, and other places farther south, for e few days only,
 Weather Is getting quite warm now. | temperature ranging from i5 to S5 mid de of the day, but nearly always a fine breeze from the river or lakes, which makes the heat less oppressive. This morning the mercury registered 57 at 2 o'clock and this evening 1t is still colder, being down to 50.
 Since writing you last, we have been on several excursions, among which I will mention Lake Helen, DeLeon Springs. Deerfoot Landing and St. Francis Larding-the latter two on the St. Johns River-and last, but not least, fishing excursion up Dead River, some twelve or fifteen miles; had a pleasant trip. but came home minus the fish. Albert took a rife along and blazed away several times at blue herons, cranes, and alligstors, he brought down one large bird, and on our return trip had two shots at 10 foot alligator The first shot did not even arose him from his slumbers, but a second we'll directed one brought him off his perch, and he disappeared beneath the waters of Dead River and I'm inclined to think, that, if still living, he has suffered with the earsche more or less ever since. Being in a small boat we deemed it best to leave him alone in his glory, or watery grave as the case might be; ln fact we had no time to cultivate his further acquaintance, for the very req son that the train would not wait for us, and we must arrive at the boat landing on time, four or five miles of of our trip being by rall, from DeLand to the river.
 We have prolonged our stay here much longer than we expected. The climate seems to agree with us perfect ly. I will not undertake to say how many pounds have gained, several at least, and the rest of our little party show the effects of a change from the cold changeable weather north to the mild and nearly even temperature of the Sunny South"
 People are now returning from the southern portion of the state and "The College Arms" is we'll filled, which makes the manager put on his lovliest smile. and meet all new arrivals with open arms. Scene No1. in office, Land- lord to g1est, How do you do, Mir James? How Is Mrs aud the little blue J's? Am happy to meet you all, and see you looking so we'll and hearty. Will you remain with us a couple weeks, or stay more than a fortnight? Only a week. Am sorry to hear you say so. SIS % each, sir, seeing there are several of the little ones." George. put Mir James and family in rooms Nos 436 snd 43S first floor next to the roof; have 8 wood fire made in the rooms If needed, and send the bell boy up with pitcher of ice water, at once. for the little ones, for I know they are both hungry and thirsty after their long ride in the hot dusty cars, and the more ice water they drink the less they will want to eat |"
 Scene No In rooms 436 and 43S after bell boy disappears. .Now my little dears, the landlord will charge full price for your board and want to get even with him in some way. therefore, see that you order verything on the bill of fare, from beginning to end, eat all you can. and what you cannot store away in your little stomachs you can muss up so no one else will want it. The people running this house are mak- ing altogether too much money the idea, SIS % per week for such little kids as you are, will have to sell my whole onion and tobacco crop to pay him, when we reach home"
 Now, Friend Beckley, the above is only small specimen of what one hears when travelling with a family of small children. but I'll assure you the mana ger of this house Is not that close, grasping, kind of man. He loves ht- tie children, and takes great pleasure in furnishing them with a variety of smusements, and only the other day I heard him remark-on being asked by Marcus if he could have bean board "Yes, anything you want. I will even go out on the lawn and let you throw stones at me, and will give you dollar every time you hit me-" What can be any more accommodating than that?
 We have just been out with some ladies examining an orange grove; find the large trees alive and putting out new leaves. Of course they will not bear this year, and probably very little next, but t'is satisfaction to the owner to know the trees are alive. Strawberries are in bloom once more. Garden veg etables are looking finely, and rose bushes are leaving out again, all of which looks quite encouraging to the Floridians. Moreanon.