Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1900-03-08

Leaving Arcadia by rail, after a ride OF
/ 3 miles, we found ourselves in Punta
Gorda at p. m. Remaining in town over
1 night, we took the steamboat Calooa at Z
a. m, handsome boat, and were soon on
our way down Charlotte harbor, which is
about two miles wide. A ride OF 10 miles
/ brought us near the Gull coast into Pine
/ Grove harbor, among hundreds OF small
{ Islands. Keeping between the islands and
/ the mainland saves the rough seas Of the
Gulf coast.
/ We now enter Pine Island sound. All
the way, large tiocks OF wild ducks are
I sighted, also schools OF pelicans. which
4 are nearly white and the size OF the Yer.
mont goose, with bill 20 inches long, 100
or more in flock and flock about every
hour. Sanihel island is now sighted,
which is the most noted and the largest
island on this coast, it being - miles long
and from one to five miles wide. Vege-
table GARDENING is carried on largely.
Boats going to Punta Gorda are loaded to
overlooking with tomatoes and all kinds
OF garden truck. This island, excepting
few inches OF soil on top, Is composed
wholly OF shells. AS one lands from the
north side and crosses to the south side,
which is on the Gulf coast, the tourist
finds large varieties OF beautiful shells,
which are carried away by the bushel.
At one OF the landings, large hotels are
few days, either coming or going to Fort
Myers. After passing the eastern point OF
the island and the lighthouse, the open
Gulf sea is sighted for about one. half
hour. During this time the vessel is
tossing on the great big waves as they
come rolling in from the gulf. We now
turn to the left, as our course from Punta
Cords has been in the form OF a half
moon, and Punta Rassa is sighted. The
vessel makes halt as this is where the
cattle are loaded aud shipped to Key West
and Cuba. This dock is the only one
suitable for large vessels. We are now on
our way up the Caloosahatchee river. A
ride of Is miles up this river and IS miles
from Punta Gorda brings US to Fort
hours. We soon find ourselves comfort
ably slowed away at the Hill House, which I
is overlooking with tourists representing
nearly every state east OF the Mississippi 1
river. A large portion OF the men have I
their families with them. Nearly all come /
to rscuperate their health.
Within an hour after you land in any I
town in Florida, you will have call from
some land agent who will enquire II you 1
are intending to invest any money in the
town. Each agent strives to get at you
first so as to get his commission. A good 1
many northern men are investing here
and in other towns in the orange belt
Fort Myers received its name from the
fact that the government had troops here
during the Indian war. II was refuge
for the whites also during the rebellion.
Troops we're stationed here and Union
fiocked in for protection. the
" hole coast was patrolled by gunboats to
prevent the rebeis from trading with the
outside world.
The government troops have left this
town long ago, dou btless never to return.
has been large gain of settlers in
he past few wears. One OF the largest
hotels in Florida is located here, built by
New York parties, rates, IS day and up !
Lots OF rich men have winter homes here,
among them the president OF the Standard
Oil Co., Mr.. McGregor, OF New York city.
Fort Myers is the last town on this coast OF
Florida 1.-The iumping-off place." they
will tell you, and truly. IL IL the most
tropical in every respect. The gardens are
/ never heard OF before,
and a wonderful variety OF flowers;
3 year-old grape fruit trees with fruit as
large as a pint bowl and from 100 to l2O,
b. count on a tree. Lemon trees are
luite plenty and the first | have seen in
Florida. They are loaded heavily with
fruit OF large size, claimed TO be too large
Tor northern markets. This town has
been the nearest point to the Seminole
Indians, for years toe only tribe 10 Flori-
ia. No railroad enters Fort Myers. The
arge date tree planted by Gen. Hancock,
hen Lieut.. Hancock, is pointed out to all
-isitors, standing on the site where the
I'D fort stood.
A tidal wave visited this town Oct. 6,
s73. The wind blew FROM the south
vest for two DAYS with terrible force,
which banked up the waters into the