Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-06-02
DOWN ON THE COAST.
With Kansas Soldiers lat the Camp
in Florida.

special TO tne henect0f
LAKELAND, Fla, May 22.-On Ma
10th the entire regular army in cam
at Chickamauga received orders t
move, some to Mobile, New Orlean
and Tampa, the lst and 10th cavalr,
to the latter. We we're the last t,
leave camp. Marching nine mile
Saturday the l4th to small plac,
east Of Chlckamauga where the ter
troops Of each regiment were loaded
and at 10 O'Clock p. m. we started iol
Tampa. Passing through Atlantis
early Sunday morning we hurried or
to Macon where the stock was fed and
watered, causing delay Of three
hours. All day Sunday 1--WE were in
Georgia and reached Florida early
Monday when we received orders to
60 into camp at this place, 80 miles
almost due east Of Tampa. The order
was changed for the reason that this
is much the best place, healthier,
more water and more room.
From Chickamauga it is one great
forest Of pines broken here and there
by immense fields Of cotton, corn and
some fields Of tobacco. The cotton is
just up while corn is waist high and
here it is in tassel. Wheat is In the
shock while on every side vegetation
is far advanced TO that OF the North.
As far south as here the orange
groves were totally destroyed three
years ago consequently was greatly
disappointed to see no growing
oranges. Pine apples do not grow in
this vicinity the soil not being
adapted to them. There seems to be
no soil at all, nothing but fine white
sand resembling very much the stuc.
co beds Of South Dickinson.
The last hundred miles Of our trip
was through a swampy wilderness,
dead forests and lakes. And we
noticed the growing trees had pecu-
liar kind Of hay-like growth in them
On investigating and inquiring we
found 1t to be a kind Of moss growing
in long bunch from the limbs and
giving the trees a Petfersonian look.
Thirty miles south Of here all kinds
OF tropical fruit grow in profusion,
but strange to say it costs fully as
much here as in Abilene. think
that is because the dealers here know
when they have a good thing and,
there is no use talking, soldier Just
can't keep his money. The 20 per
cent on the original enlistment in.
crease pay will be great help to US.
The water is soft but very warm.
With that exception we are much bet
ter located than at Chickamauga. |
Lakeland has about l,200 inhabi-
tants and for wonder they are near
lv all white. Surrounded by a chain
Of lakes and forests it is beautiful
place. What the inhabitants do for
living, cant imagine. Strawberries
seem to be the only crop raised.
Lumberipg, Of course, is carried on
very extensively.
Alligator hunting does not bring
much profit as their hides are worth
only Is cents. There are several
akes within a stones throw Of our
camp and there are plenty Of alliga.
tors to be seen. They are not very
arge but while was bathing yester-
lay one came within reaching distance
md | left at once not wishing closer
However, they are
harmless and will get out of sight at
,nce.
The sun is very hot but as there is
olenty Of shade and a cool breeze
blowing most Of the time we are pref
y comfortable The evenings are
'ool and pleasant, much more SO than
n Kansas.
The End Massachusetts, and list
lew York regiments are in camp here
md camp life is hard for some who
ave always had everything money
would buy.
The regular army is being recruited
lp to war footing fast, and in a few
weeks longer the volunteer boys will
'e ready, then let us get at them. =
TON c. DAVIS.
Shifting Soil.
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