The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-08-03

pays a visit of some duration. From
here a regular line of steamers runs to
Tampa and Key West. .
CENTRAL LAKE REGION.
Retracing to the main line, we
enter the Central Lake region,
which Is 200 feet above sea level. where
are found the most fertile lands on
the west coast. There are also several
large lakes. seven of which are as
| fine bodies of water as found in the
country. and afford remarkable protec-
tion from frost. This is the famous
| fruit section, called the Orange belt"
Considerable business In fruit is done
here along these lakes by regular
steamer passing through the outlets
| connecting each lake with the other
one lot alone contains 500 acres de-
voted exclusively to watermclons and
canteloupes. The land requires no
| cultivation. At Orange lake were
found what, before the great freeze of
1S95 had been some of the largest or
angc groves In the state. Along here,
through the luxuriant vegetation, we
get glimpses of bright clusters of wild
oranges and trees. These were for
mcrly utilized in the shape of juice to
be converted into citric acid, but of
late these native trees have been
grated to sweet kinds. and become
the foundation of the finest groves in
the state. Here Is found also the saw
palmetto" growing like huckleberry
bushes: also the cabbage palmetto"
growing to trees, the. leaves large
lenough to bleach and make hats and
fans. This tree grows to the height
of 30 feet. In the heart of the tree
is the cabbage. which they cook and
eat, like the Northern cabbage, and
is of equal good flavor. They destroy
the tree in order to get the cabbage.
At Hawthorn they were very num-
erous. The soil is rich with shell,
mari and clay and prolific in peach
and oranges. Through here were also
numerous turpentine plants.
At Lockloosa station is a lake 10
miles across. with heavily wooded
shores. which will. no doubt, become
la favorite resort for winter tourists
Along the palmetto lined shores of this
lake are from 10000 to 100. 900 full bear
ing orange trees; 12OO had To be re-
moved to make room for the construc-
tion of the Seaboard railway Then
comes Citra and Island Grove and
| SHd1l, tlibDNtIth dllloHS llN' odNS
and magnolias; Anthony, in the high,
healthy pine land. with its numerous
phosphate plants. mills. stores, schools
and beautiful churches. After passing
four unimportant stations, through
wild scenery, We arrive at Spring Park
and Silver Spring junction, and a
two-milc side track takes us to the
famous Silver Springs, the objective
point of the tourist.
SILVER SPRINGS.
Silver Park is bright with its attrac-
tive winter homes inhabited by New
England and Middle States people.
with fine young groves growing up
and around them. The Silver Springs
is one of the wonders of this tropical
cline, a vast basin 900 feet in diam
ctcr, clear as crystal, and could be
appropriately called "crystal springs
The Scaboard always affords its pas
scngers an opportunity to visit it, Sill
{ Yer Springs proper are contained in
five limestone basins, bearing names
! suggested by the hucs of the rock
and the variegated mosscs therein.
: The largest basin is about S5 feet deep
by 200 feet wide, and the water is so
; transparent that a dime thrown to
; the bottom can he clearly seen, and all
! objects placed in this water immedi-
, ately take on an iridescent glow. The
| Glistcning sand on the bottom looks
as if but few inches beneath the
surface. No pen can describe this
natural wonder and do it justice. The
Z waters of this spring are 20 degrees
the year around and after running 9
,,,t,
, the Ocklawha river one hundred miles
T from its mouth.
OCALA.
, Ocala. % miles from jacksonville, is
= a thriving place of 5000 population. OF
whom half are colored. 1t is the grea
!, inland commercial city of Florida. and
, has many elements of solid prosper.
, ty. Here, too, are immense bearing
, oragne groves. widespread truck
farms. cotton plantations. corn fields
!; and other agricultural industries; be-
I sides. Ocala is the center of great
q phosphate interests, and yearly large
shipments of tobacco and phospha te
Z are made. The city has electric lights
I "a trolley system. water works, paved
> streets and fire protection. The Ocala
tells, is a prominent feature. 1t is 4Ot
r feet long. three stories high. built oi
brick, with all modern accommoda.
. tions. and will accommodate 300 guests
I 1t is conducted on the same broad pol.
0 icy which has won for the system
. the gol lea opinions OF all who have
0 had the pleasure of being entertained
@ at its peerless hotels.
! From Ocala to Wildwood junction
I are a succession of lakes and orange
? groves. At Wildwood junction is an
, other branch Ci the Seahoard leading
= to Winter Park, Orlando and Lake
Charm, Il miles, and also to the Eas
Coast railway
There Gre 80 stations of more Ol
. less Impotence through a hilly coun
: try, aboundinG in beautiful lakes anC
thriving orange groves, when Orlando
is reached in 81 miles.
Passing Rowcna and College station
in five miles We enter the famous win
= ter resort. Winter Park, also reached
- by the Plant system. \ l2-mie further
: ride, passing four stations, bring:
us to the charming goal of our side
, trip. Lake Charm, which deserves al
= extended description.
ON TO TAMPA.
g Returning to wildwood junction anC
= again resuming our journey to Tampa
over the main line of the Seaboard
:, some 81 miles, we again enter the tur
2 pentne forests, tall and straight al
4 ever, and also the mossy scrub oaks
n Here we see resin trees thick will
t gum, and the white resin flower. w