The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1912-12-27
FLORIDA A LAND OF GOOD
THINGS

/ If one were seeking worldwide TO,
veritable example of "a land of mill
and honey" it would be difficult tt
| find a more perfect one than Florida
Situated between the mild Atlantic
ocean and the Gulf of Mexico with :
genial climate, the land teens witt
all the good things of the earth and
with the living things that thrive
upon it. From the grain and field
stuffs of the north and northwest tc
the fruits of Italy, it runs the gamut
of agrarianism, eliminating no pro
duct that brings health, wealth and
happiness to the soul or body of man
and beast.
With its ever temperate climate ii
produces crops almost fourfold those
in any other part of the country. In
this state fruit growing has reached
the highest state of perfection. AL
sorts of choice peaches, pears, grapes
figs, oranges, grapefruit and nuts
grow and are produced in abundance
The school facilities of this state
are the best. l nevery town there are
many well-built, restful looking build
ings, equipped with all the most mod
ern educational appliances, and pre-
sided over by efficient teachers.
There is hardly a town in the state
that has not railroad or steamer ser,
vice, and those that have not re in
daily connection with other towns
by autos or other means.
Dairy-ranching has also attained a
fiourishing condition. Cows average
two to four gallons of milk per day.
and the cost of feed is nominal
Fish of all kinds may be caught in
the lakes, creeks and bayous and all
sorts of game may be shot in abund-
ance. Life sings joyfully from the
throats of the meadow-larks in the
fields, from the mocking birds in the
sweet magnolias, and even the owls
boot a note of welcome t. the trav-
eler in the night.
In fact, industries of every descrip-
ton abound and flourish.
One can hardly mention the name
of Florida but TO be reminded of the
grand opportunities offered for bath,
ing and boating. Sal. water bathing
along the coasts and in the lakes OF
the interior; crafts of all size are
to be found plying in the beautiful
warm waters of the state.
With all the great attractions OF
Florida but half told, there remains
one, which possibly is greater than
all the rest-its wonderful climate
The oxygen from the air of the Gull
and the Atlantic and the balsam Of
j the pines tend to form an atmosphere
that is invigorating and health-giving
1t is possible for one to go out every
day in the year and mingle among
all the semi-tropical growths of plant
/ life, which are found here in great
profusion From the smaller wild
flowers on every side to the more
stately palms and magnolies, covered
with graceful Spanish moss.
The weather is mild and balmy in
the winter and cool and comfortable
during the summer The rainfall is
ample, occurring usually as showers
during the late spring and early sum
mer months.
Some day people will learn these
! things and then will know that the
promise of a new life is open to them
and they will come and take posses
sion and be made welcome.
And when those who have plowed
/ shivering, through the ice and snow
of the north are kissed by the Flor
! ida sunshine, with the mocking birds
singing gaily around them, with tbs
breath Of violets in the air. they viii
/ fall on their knees and say: God, We
/ thank thee, for this indeed is the land
! of milk and honey. Haven
Tribune.