The Palatka news and advertiser. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1902-1905, 1902-12-18
OUR FLORAHOME LETTER

Editor NEWS:
Florahome colony has this year an
object lesson in horticulture in the
varied treatment of the fruit trees
now planted. Some plats have re-
ceived over care as compared with
others, some have been nearly neg
lected while others being cropped re-
ceived care corresponding to the
crop grown between the trees. The
effect at this stage Of growth is quite
as varied as has been the cultivation.
Where the trees were well cultivated
and fertilized they hold their leaves
and have but few blossoms on them.
Again those trees nearly neglected
show quite a prOfusiOn of bloom
with grades between the two eX-
tremes. 1t will be interesting and
profitable to note the result when
fruiting commences in the spring.
The late blooming is doubtless due
to the warm weather with which We
have been favored this fall and Win
ter, there being thus far only two
frosts which did injury to vegeta-
ton. Plum trees appear to belong
to the evergreen class, they not hav-
ing shed leaves to any perceptible
extent thus far.
A major part of the sweet potato
crop is being housed and the output
very satisfactory so far, showing n
yield of about 300 bushels to the
acre selling at SOC per bushel.
AS the sweet potato is about the
easiest of the products of the south
to grow $4,000 to the acre Is consid-
erred fair return for them.
A few of our people are however
disappointed owing to their attempt
to grow them with level culture.
About two years ago Prof. Stock
bridge of Lake City gave lecture
here and advocated universal level
culture. He was asked about the
sweet potato and laughingly replied
that he had forgotten that as the
higher the ridges on which they
were grown the better the potato and
the larger the yield. People COM
ing here from the north should take
due notice of this fact and govern
themselves accordingly.
Mr.. and Mrs. Roe from Illinois
came here on Friday last. This is
the third winter to be spent in this
beautiful and healthful location by
them. Mr.. Roe is quite a checker
player and amuses himself in this
quiet pastime to quite an extent.
He has new antagonist this season
IN one of our recent arrivals who
may test his skill on the board. Mr..
and Mrs. Roe are among the people
we like to meet and honor, their
genial good nature ever making
them welcome guests.
Mr. Chas. Tilden and sister, broth
er and sister of Mr.. T. J. Tilden are
among our temporary residents for
the winter. We hope the fates will
so shape their destinies as to make
their visit life long one. Mr.. Il. j.
Tilden came here a year ago last
October and has erected a fine resi-
dence making him permanent fix
ture. His excellent wife would be
greatly missed in social circles were
it otherwise.
More. recent production of syrup
from Japanese cane has satisfied us
that it is a superior cane for that
purpose. Being immensely prolific
it will doubtless prove what has
been claimed for it. The syrup
made from it is of light golden
color and very pleasant to the taste.
Reports of 800 gallons to the acre
gives hope of one source of revenue
seldom attained from the earth.
the lowest price soc per gallon would
prove a boon indeed.
Miss Emma Thrcsher of Kanka- |
ker, ILL.,, is here looking after the in
terests of a deceased sister.
Mr.. A. w. Tucker has about fin |
ished the clearing of five acres of his |
land. Looking over it a |
few days ago | was surprised to find |
the quality so good. 1t is of dark |
sandy loan with a prcdominance
Of loan and must prove of surpass-
ing fertility. While resident #
Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa for
over 40 years / have not seen in
their famed prairie soil a more
promising productive soil than this.
Claiming for Florida's hammocks
with her surprisingly healthful and
any other section of the United
appear that this, one of the largest
bodies of hammock land in the
state, has been specially favored
md were this fact generally known
md appreciated it would not be long
before many of the doubling holders
IF it would come and make their
home among us.
Cabbage, lettuce, turnips onions
PEAS and other crops are looking
we'll, the mild weather being special
Y favorable to their growth.
d. W. STARKEY.