The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1921-04-29

IuIuk OI the pleasure Oh SdIn0FlNS one s.
own holly and mistletoe at Christmas time.
Think, too of gathering wild violets and
yellow jasmine and dogwood blossoms in
the early spring, when the woods and fields
of the North are still white and stark,
Tramps through such country provide
enjoyment enough for any red-blooded per-
son.
Hunting is one of the joys. of Florida
winter Quail and doves, rabbits and squir-
rels. are plentiful. Wild turkeys are usual
" tc be found Duck shooting is good on
he lakes and along the rivers. Deer are
bagged and occasionally bear. Several
seasons ago mountain lion, measuring
nine feet from tip to tip, was killed in this
county.
There is good fishing in the lakes and
rivers: and the Gulf is only about forty
miles away by road or rail-
The whir OF quail on the rise and the
splash of trout striking in the edge of the
grass, makes the hear. of the sportsman
beat faster
Bathing is a most popular pastime Oh
warm days during the winter, and during
the warmer months especially, the bathing
in the waters of Silver Springs and Lake
Weir is enjoyed by thousands The waters
of the Springs have a temperature Of about
seventy degrees throughout the year, and
in the summer swim IN the cool, clear
depths is most refreshing. At both Silver
Springs and Lake Weir there are beaches Z
which make the bathing safe as we'll as
joy for the kiddies
Silver Springs. near Ocala, and reached
by most attractive drive of five and a
half miles, are the largest springs I'M the
United States, and very probably in the
world. The records of the United States
Geological Survey show this The Survey
has no record of foreign springs. The Deep
cool waters of the Springs, clear as air.
flowing at the rate of more than million
gallons every three minutes from out of
wonderful natural pools and caverns reflect
ing the surrounding sub-tropical forests
are unsurpassed in their beauty. They
cause exclamations of delight from the
thousands who see them every year through
the glass-bottomed boats. The fish in the
pools are protected, and have become so
tame they feed from ones hand Hundreds
of them, of various glistening colors, gather
under the glassbottomed boats at the call
of the guides The Springs are natural
aquarium. Thirty-two varieties of fish are
to be seen in the pools A splendid oppor-
tunity is afforded fer studying the habits of
the fish. During the spring months, for
instance, in March and in April especially
the bass are to be seen with small schools
of young following them, the large fish
protecting the minnows just as hen pro-
tects its CHICKS
The boat trip from Silver Springs down
the beautiful Silver Springs run, whose
waters are also as clear as air and up
the weird and winding Ocklawaha, is one
of the most unusual and attractive in the
United States A noted traveller has called
it IAN American classic Moonlight trips
down the rivers are popular. Blue Springs
near Juliette. in the southwestern part OF
the county, are the second largest in this
country. The waters o&these springs are
of BLUSH tinge.
There is golf for the devotees of this
great outdoor game. The links of the Ocala
Country Club are among the most attrac-
tive in the State. The nine fairways stretch
away over charming contours, broken by
the shadows of large oak trees and clumps
of pines, and take in a rather steep hillside.
The club house is the scene of many an
afternoon tea during the winter season.
The orange groves are among the real
delights OF Florida. The trees with their
golden fruit and rich, green foliage. are
beautiful And to be able to pick oranges
from the trees is one Of the keenest antici-
pations Of most persons visiting FIroida for
the first time. Many orange trees have
been planted in Ocala and its vicinity.
There are groves throughout the county.
Most of them border on Orange Lake and
Lake Weir, the latter one Of the most beau
tiful clear water lakes in the State, with a
beach OF pure white sand. and surrounded
bv high bluffs. And when the groves are
in bloom in February and March and in
june. the strong perfume Of the orange bios
SONS carries for long distances, especially
at night, and it is wonderful. The Dixie
Highway runs along the crests Of the hills
above Orange Lake and Lake Weir.
One can motor out over the more than
225 miles of hardsurfaced highways in Ma
v;cn <,,s.nfv In any direction every day.