The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1896-02-14
BILL ARP'S LETTER.
HE ADMIRES THE HEROISM OF
A BRAVE GIRL.
a Visit to the Orange Groves--Ths
Return Home.

prees, when 1 was aroused from my |
rcverie by the steamers signal that we
were going to stop for something.
Looking out from tho open door, l
sa " the same female mail boy of Pal
marosa that wrote about last time.
She was some distance up the coast,
and had just pushed her little boat
from shore and was rowing with all
her strength against the wind and
waves and the drifting rain. SO as to
meet the boat that was slowing up in
t. . middle of the channel. Up and
down over the heavy billows she piled
her oars. Her back was to us, her
head was bare, her hair hung loosely to
her shoulders. Size WAS clad in II loose
shirt waist, with sleeves that fitted
closely to her shnpcly arms Ever and
anon she glanced behiud to see that
her course WAS right, aud shook the
wnter from her tresses. Grace Oar
ling could not have rowcd more
swiftly, aud in few min
utes she had nearcd alongside, where
the mate stood at the gangway
| with his long, hooked POLE in hand to
catch tho PROV aud hold it fast until
she had cxchan yed Uncle Sans
pouches. I looked at her with anxious
interest as she stepped up lightly on
the plank seat, and with pleasant
smile, tor sed the mail into the open
way The mate threw another pouch
| down to her, aud said, '.Why dident
you wear hat and put on some
| clothes. Miss Grace! You Will catch
your death with cold" 'Oh, no." she
said, Il like it; it il splendid fun"
and she shook the rainirops from her
hair again. ] had u good look ut her
nut brown face as she recoded from Ua,
aud would have thrown her II kiss if
could have called back forty or
fifty years. ''She is good, brave
| girl" said the captain, land is not
afraid to earn her $25 month and
help the family Rain or shine, she
never fails to meet the daily boat juss
at the right time and in the right
place."
had been down to Manatee and
Brnidentown tn see what the great
freeze Of last winter had done to tho
oranges. [ found that most of the
crop had been gathered and marketed,
but the boats still take on few more
boxes every day. The crop was not
as much per box us it did the year be-
fore. The fruit was never fiuer in
size or more luxurious in flavor. One
orange was given me that measured lS
inches in circumference, and 1T was not
puffy or overly thick in the rind. Tho
growers realized about 81 T5 per box,
and those that have been held back are
stN-I hrinpin9 So. sAaA-rHie tbs lRG8t
dents got discouraged last year at so
cents box and quit fertlizing and
| quit paying man to look after their
| property. Consequently, you will see
many groves that have been practi-
cally nbundone |, but right alongside
you will see grove in perfect and
vigorous condition, can ornnge
grove" said Sheriff Watson, "requ,r,s
as much nursing os II baby. but it will
reward you if you care for it," The
clever sheriff took me out to sec the
Royal Palm nurseries that are conduct
! ed Ivy Mr. Rcasoner and son. The
young man was kind and courteous
and | wondered at his enthusiasm as
| he explained everything and discourscd
! of the beautiful tropical plants, and
talked botany and Horticulture, much
of which was nll Greek to me. He
gave mecl'pplngs OF c"nee ana tea and
rnoper ana canPhor ana cinnamon
an" other eAoticH ana showed me orders
from the north ana west ana from
across the water. II was young nun
L would pursue TINS business for one
reason if for no other. l have observed
that all florists are enthusiasts about
their calling. They love and are happy.
Look at MIR. Berckmnns of Augusta
what a nonie' earnest man he ~.
lust tnlnR now much pleasure hIS