The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1922-02-04
IN SEARCH OF THE HEART OF FLORIDA
Continued from Third Page)


the other excellent days with which Marion county and.
Ocaa blessed We sped the shell roads and
will long wonder the commercial life of Ocaa when
is known that almost crop known to civilized and
progressive farming raised this county in abundance
There few indeed that be mentioned which not
grown here and many of them the greatest abundance
Marion county is the most important lime manufactur
ing in Florida and quantities of phosphate
rock taken from its bosom which only enrches the
where it mined but which also every
of the Union. Its supremacy agricultural county has
been times in the various contests with its
fairs by the
state house in the department of agriculture.
noted for its stock raising and the head of of
the droves of hogs the county recently sold for $4,000
1t the leading county in the production of cantaoupes
and waermeons while 100000 boxes of oranges and
grapefruit shipped out of the county each
What is the pretty farm approaching ?" asked
THAT is the farm have just bought Will replied.
81 want you to tell me about it," l exclaimed.
WELL it has $50 acres forty of which is in bearing
citrus trees mostly oranges There only seventyve
given to other and adons Orange Lake
and the trucking adjacent to it. 1t is fully
stocked with CATTLE hogs and work stock and call it
Iof those well balanced Florida FARMS
We'll, call it complete in every detail and it is
tlerful place. But won't you get very lonely, Wil?"
"Wel, you may know about that next week" he
replied, with a grin "You again. 1t is
time for us to return want to carry back by
Silver Springs, place of wonder and absorbing interest
the largest spring in the United States flowing nearly
100000 gallons of water minute creating river which
lis navigabe from the springs to the ST. Johns and
the water is clear air.
"a trip in classic boat will reveal this and
erify the claim its being wonderful Ninety feet Deep
he bottom be distinctly and all kinds of water
inhabitants be clearly viewed at great depths under
Meath the water Many beautiful water plants be
vertabe fairyand of interest pleasure for
the is delightful for bathing, equallng the claims
of many cities for surf bathing"
After such delightful day is set wondering
he the and happiness of the people and
searches his imagination to find location that could
be found where there greater cooperation where
delightful environment could be desired in which to
live raise ones children provide for family We
who live here want others locate friend has done
and join them in profitable development of the section. We
welcome all to Ocafa and Marion county.
AS took up return to the city many
ing in the occupants full of mirth.
"But look, Will There is accident. has
swerved has hit obstruction and the occupants
thrown out. Hurry!"
We rushed the and found that the occupants
while stunned, not seriously injured.
"Why, Mrs Smies," exclaimed, chow earth did it
happen How fortunate that not seriously hurt
and how thankful We that you spared"
Then, looked to see if my heart there and |
turned she folded in Wills and he saying
"Oh, FLORIDA how happy am that you not injured
and that you have been spared to me-"
"Oh, yes; and this is the way of all, is it?
plainly enough and this is Miss Florida Smiles
and Will has really Heart of Florida all of this
time and she has not only had yours but mine well,
only had had time to tell her and you had l
really suspicious all of this time that much shop
ping going but really did not figure it out to be
this way"
The details necessary to continue the trip quickly
arranged Mr. Condor teephoned to and promised to
for the REQ and said that he could get
in commission again Sambo left to guard the
until help came while Florida jumped the front seat
beside Will and then sorrowfuy helped Mother" in the
and took by place beside her. AS entered the city
the sinking in the west.
"Oh, there is the moon- it clear" Florida
cried.
at brings you good luck Miss Florida. it too, but
through the trees. Anyway, Miss Florida it through
orange tree"
: Mr. Howard Curry of Tampa puts it this way:
When de Lawd was buldin' dis earth of
He seek a garden fo' to plant de flowers
And he make place twix de gulf and de ocean
And he fix up Florida jes to his notion
He fix de blossoms de- orange trees
An he make 'em sweet fo' de honey bees
An he planted de palm trees all aroun',
An pines an oaks fo' to shade de- groun.
An he put in some lakes and ribbers, too,
And built up some hills fo' to hep de view
And he git de to workn' jes right
An de moon and de to hep out at night.
An he turn on de rain in de summer time
To cool de air and make de cane stalks cline,
Den he makes climate warm and mild
When he finished ole Florida know he smiled.
Mr. Curry failed to add, however:
An after de Lawd had done his part
De folks came forth to fin its heart
And where the charms of hills and valley
They have hustled and built the great Ocaa.
In the heart of Marion county,
In the heart of Florida.