The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-02-07

L
tropical growth to be found in the torrid
zone. The palms are thicker in the for
ests on Long Boat Key, they seem to
have reached a greater heigth and appear
more graceful It is pleasant music that
is made as the gentle, balmy winds of the
Gulf play through the pine and palm
and rustic an .obligato from the leaves of
the palmetto The scene here is one OF
the sweetest nature has provided in the
land of everlasting youth. The beach is
covered with rare and beautiful shells.
From Sarasota back up the coast an
other route should be taken returning.
No one who visits Florida should fail to
visit the west coast. No one who visits
the west coast should fail to visit Mana
tee county. And no one who visits
Manatee county should fail to visit "the
Palms." the home of Captain Jones, and
take the drive up the far famed Indian
Beach. This is the browning glory of all
that rare natural scenery with which the
west coast is endowed.
From Sarasota through the jungles of.
palms, through the fertile hammock"
that lie alongside Whitaker Creek, close
to the very breakers where the warm
Gulf waters wash the shores on Indian
Beach, one travels as in dream and does
not wish thoughts roughly disturbed by
word or deed of man Or beast. What is
before ones eye appeals to the very best
in man, opens his eyes to the Heavenly
Hand that made it all and instills in
every heart an even greater love for the
Creator of this ba1my land.
The African palm stretches it's head
high above the date and the palmetto,
the orange and mango, in wild form, peep
through the jungle and tempt one to en-
ter. the wild roses and oleanders and
narcissus send forth their fragrance with
the soft zephyr, the violet offers itself
rs carpet for one to alight upon and
enter the thickest of the jungle, when
the cactus arises IN its might, with arms
outstretched in every direction and lock-
ing arms with a neighboring plant forbids
entrance to man.
Through just such scenes as no one
should try to picture one travels to THE
PALMS. and along Indian Beach.
Palm trees, standing like watchmen, are
in the breakers and in season one sees
the tarpon and porpoise rising above the
waters of the Gulf. There can be moth
ing more beautiful. l have read the
tributes J. w. White has paid this sec
ton and since 1 have travelled through
that land of flowers, am ready to admit
that he has fallen far short of telling of
all the beauties of that country.
At "the Palms" is found a handsome
mansion set in grove of natural growth.
There are numerous varieties of palm
trees, orange trees, grape fruit, bamboo,
wild and cultivated lemon, guava, and
roses and violets in profusion growing in
the ward. The waters of the Gulf are
but stones throw from the door of the
residence. The interior is exquisite. An
artists taste has arranged all. The APP
pointments arc perfect and one leaves
with regret that all the kind invitations
of the host cannot be accepted.
From 1.-THE Palms" the drive UP In
dian Beach passes many handsome winter
homes, among the most striking being
those of the Thompsons and the Bach
mans bungalow The latter is one OF
The handsomest log houses on the west