The Idaho recorder. [volume] (Salmon City, Idaho) 1886-1927, 1921-09-02
CZZzR HLlIVZzER

eral laws. Is killed In considerable numbers; some
have been sold In recent years at the rate OF
three for dollar. Wild turkeys are much
scarcer than formerly. but their numbers might
be restored by proper protection Bobwhites are
still common.
Trapping liz extensively practiced. Great mum
bers of raccoons and several dozens of offers
are taken every winter Smaller numbers Of Wild
cats opossuns and skunks are trapped.
The Mississippi alligator now rapidly dsap
pearing from the haunts Of man. has found the
Okehnokee goodly place In which to survive.
For the student Of herpetoogy the region holds
n vast and fascinating store Of riches.
The swamp waters abound In fish life including
pickerel. large mouthed black bass and other
smaller bass, short-nosed CARS, club suckers. mud
fish (Amia), various species of catfish, and num-
erous kfshes. Among the recent discoveries
Is particularly dainty little fish. Lucania ON
mata which previously known only from
few specimens taken In Florida; 1t enjoys the
distinction of being one of the very tinest Of ex-
listing vertebrates.
The wonderfully rich and diverse plant life
of the Okehnokee constitutes one OF It's greatest
charms and beauties. And herein may per
ceive verable illustration of the curse of beau
ty, for 1t IL the magnificent timber OF the swamp
that furnishes It's commercial value and has In
vited destructive exploitation There are two
major types of forest growth-the pine barrens
on the Islands, and the cypress bays" occupy
The so-callcd pine bnrrens open forests OF
long leaf and slash pines between whose straight
and lofty trunks one may look for distance of
quarter of n mile In almost any direction. The
low underground consists principally of pal
metto. together with profuslon of huckleberrles
md blueherries, which form important ee-
ment In the food of many birds and mammals.
one may find some OF the Okefnokee islands.
whore the "turpentner' and the logger have not
Yet penetrated, the southern pine forest in Its
finest glory.
In the bays" which cover large portion of
the swamp. the dominant growth Is the pond
cypress Probably nowhere else in the world
does II attain u heavier growth or finer proper.
lions Other trees In this habitat the black
gum red bay. white bay. sweet bay and red ma
Pile.
There are n number of other distinct types OF
vegetation In the swamp including haiamocks,
sand scrub" sphagnous hogs, and cypress ponds
each with charm OF its own,
For ten years past the very existence of the
okennokee, IN any condition worth preserving.
has been threatened by rapidly extending CONNER.
eill operations, until matters have now reached
an acute stage One lumber company. with n
great mill near wayeross has already removed
the heavy cypress timber In the northwestern
quarter OF the swamp north of Bllys island, The
companys railroad. with many branches,
extends to the very heart OF the swamp between
Blly's and Floyds islands Another company has
turpentincd the magnificent pines on Rily's island
aud the Pocket, Thus the already devas-
tated probably comprises more than one hundred
square miles and there is n constant menace of
Industrial cucroachmcnt from all sides OF the
swamp.
Fortunately. the entire ana In which the
mosai OF the timber either has been accomplished
or Is being planned, comprises ouly about
thir, of the swamp. This lies mainly In the north
western part, extending south 10 Honey island anu
east To MINES lake; and also through the bay
northeast OF Billys island TO Floyds island,
Flo,ds Island In the eastern part of the swamp,
is the most diversified, aud In some respects the
most INTERESTING Of the Islands, The owners have
Kent IL as "A sort Of game preserve, and It Is eVi.
IDENTITY In NO Immediate danger Of exploitation
Plans are already being considered for definite
system of drainage operations to b. started after
the timber has been taken out. for the purpose
II converting In. swamp into land suitable for
agricultural purposes,
II, Il appears that IL okennokec Is TO be saved
IL must he soon.
In 1889 the state OF Georgia sold okenuokee 10
numbering syndicate for 26ia cents an acre.
The pity OF II.