'Sy^BKl ti Book T ^^^C.7 -fT^iO/ & 0> '^*^^^'-- \ Map or th£ Gulf Coast Steamboat Line AN INTERESTING HISTORY OF FLORIDA AND THE FAMOUS D SPRINGS, 2u — »^j. X.r-r-~-«s "OKj ^ ^ ^:5 THE NEW HEALTH RESORT OF ( "dec ^s ie84 FLORIDA. ^' Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1883, by E Conklin, in the Office of the Librariat of Congress at.Washington. h3i<^ T^3(t 1 feUST before the Spaniards under Cortez began their 1m S^^^^ conquest of Mexico in 1520, the French sent out an expedition for the purpose of appropriating some of the newly discovered land of America to itself. Ponce de Leon with his expedition, discovered the land of the Floridas in 1512. He lauded on the east coast near the St. Johns river where St. Augustine now stands, and named the country Florida, on account of the rich and fertile growtlis, which everywhere met his gaze. It was at this place where he afterwards founded the Huguenot colony, which spread and flourished in these parts for upwards of 40 years ; and of whose persecution afterwards by the Spaniards, history fur- nishes another thrilling account of the religious terrors of the 16th century. In 1520, when Oortez opened the conquest ot Mexico, Luke Vasques de Ayllon in the same year, equipped two ships and sailed from Hispaniola for the contemptuous and short- sighted purpose of capturing and placing the innocent na- tives into bondage. Arriving on the east coast, he invited the Indians on board, and when secured, he set sail for St. Domingo and sold them into slavery. In 1527, Charles V., of Spain, commissioned Pamphilo de Narvaez to conquer Florida. Arriving at Tampa Bay on the west coast, about 30 miles below where Tarpon Springs now stands, he issued a proclamation that he would destroy all the Indians if they did not acknowledge the ' ' r-r-\ 9 9 The Tarpon IS THE NAME OF THE LARGE EEW WINTER RESORT HOTEL, OF FLORIDA. Lately Built on the Lake Butler Villa Company's Grounds at TARPON SPRINGS, ON THE WEST COAST OF FLORIDA. . IT IS ONE OF THE FUST ON THE COAST From Tallahassee to the Southern extremity of Florida. It was named after the game fish of that name which abound on the Gulf near its very doors, in the Streams and Bayous at the Springs. It Contains 50 Rooms! ITS TABLE IS FURNISHED WITH All the Delicaeies the Season & Market Affords HUNTING, FISHING, Yachting, Bathing, and all the Sports the Seekers after Pleasure ask for, are found at its very doors. As for climate, it is well known that the temperature is beginning to attract the attention of persons of the East or Atlantic Coast. sovereiguty of the Pope and the King. He then marched north through Hillsborough and Hernando counties, on to Pensacola in search of the Mississippi Eiver, where he lost his life and those of all his men in trying to cross it in a storm. In 1538, another commission of the same nature was given to Hernando De Soto to " conquer all Florida," with a promise that he should receive the title of Marquis of all the lands he so conquered. In 1539, De Soto landed at the Bay of Tampo — about the same spot where the Nar- vaez entered. This Bay was then called under the Spanish title, Espiritu Santo. De Soto had with him on this occa- sion about 600 of his best soldiers. On his arrival he pro- claimed to the natives that his expedition was for " God alone." It seems that from this date the great intrigues for religious persecutious began. Landing for the pur- pose of conquest and gain he claimed his object was for their souls' welfare. At this time, Santander, in a letter to the Emperor, came greatly to De Soto's aid. This letter kindled a religious fire and fervor, which increased until the Priests in Oortez's army destroyed, in their great histo- ric fire, the last remaining archives of the Aztec Empire in Mexico. We give Santander's letter below: " It is lawful that your majesty, like a good Shepherd, appointed by the hand of the eternal Father, should tend and lead out your sheep, since the Holy Spirit has shown spreading pastures whereon are feeding lost sheep which have been snatched away by the dragon, the demon. These pastures are the new world wherein is comprised Florida, now in possession of the demon, and here he makes him- self adored and revered. This is the land of promise pos- sessed by idolators ; this is the land promised by the eternal Father to the faithful, since we are commanded by God in the Holy Scriptures to take it from them, being idolators ; 6 and by reason of their idolatry and sin, to put them all to the knife, leaving no living thing, save maidens and children; their cities robbed and sacked, their walls and houses leveled to the earth." On the strength of their letter, De Soto was permitted to enslave the inhabitants for his own use and service. Sau- tander further, selected four places in Florida, whicb, from the fertility of the soil and other favorable conditions, he recommended to the King to at once lay hold upon. The country for miles round about Tampa Bay, and where De Soto was at that time, was one of the four locations. The others were, Pensacola, Tallahassee, and the country about the mouth of the St. John's River. De Soto favored the west coast. In 1565, Melendez in his commission from King of Spain, to Christianize the natives of Florida, usurped his right and attacked also the French Huguenot colony. The religious fire and fervor created by Santander's letter seems not to have stopped with the native Indians ; for Melendez pro- claimed to the French Huguenots that if they too did not surrender to the church and to Spain, he would kill every one of them. Refusing, they were, true to the temeritj^ of the Spaniards, completely extirpated. The Spaniards at- tacked a fleet of Huguenots oif their settlement at sea. The Huguenots were beaten under Ribault, who was driven down the coast and lost. Melendez then attacked the land forces~at Fort Carolina on the St. John's River, captured the fort, and hung all the French who manned it. He then went in search of those who escaped down the coast ; and, having overtook them at Matanzas inlet, he assured them that if they would surrender they would be pardoned. No sooner had they surrendered, however, than they were taken behind the sand hills of the coast and massacred. France and England were indignant, but nothing was done until J. ^-^'^-'t A War Uaiice of the Ancient Florida Indians the great French chevalier, DoiDiiiiqiie de Gourgues, who had served against the Spaniards in Italy, fitted out two ships, attacked and took the French forts with the';,Spaniards in them, and hung all the soldiery — not as Spaniards, but as traitors, murderers and robbers. He afterwards de- molished the forts and returned to France. Until the purchase of Florida by the United States in 1821, the Spaniards continued to hold the country for a period of about 250 years, except for a term of 20 years, in which it was ceded to England— from 1763 to 1783. ^ THE WEST COAST AND WAS^wW M^msWw» Wl^ktiti^! Wliefeiti>^! Sow to G^et Tliei'e! And all about the rich country's new PLEASURE RESORTS, BETWEEN DissTON AND Cedar Keys, ON THE GULF OF MEXICO. The Steamer Gov. S;,ffor(l Loaving the Wharf at Tarpon Springs. 11 TARPON SPRINGS. ■^-^— -c Tarpou Springs is situated iipou a system of indentures of the Gulf of Mexico, near the mouth of the Anclote River, about 30 miles north of the bay of Tampa, and 60 miles south of Cedar Keys. The system of small bays, rivulets, lakes, etc., which are so beautifully characteristic of Florida, is complete here. One most admirable and salient feature of this section of the west coast, is that for several miles north and south of Tarpon S[)rings, the country has a general elevation as you proceed inland. Reaching some of the higher eleva- tions you find imbedded in some beautifully foliaged plateau, the system of lakes which are destined to convert this re- gion into villa plots and residences which will surpass any thing yet seen in the State. Landing on the wharf just below one of the natural springs in which this particular location abounds, you find that Tarpon avenue has descended a gentle grade to your very feet, giving j^ou a most pleas- ant reception. Looking up through the rich foliage, with the stately for- est growths on either side, you catch just a glimpse of the sentiments afterwards enjoyed in your rides to the lakes, to which this avenue leads. It is not all sentiment either. The element of air invigorates the body as the pleasures of sight does the mind, and your senses at once account to uature for her sweet influences. 12 Id driving- up this avenue you see, at short intervals, beautiful crystal lakes winking and blinking at you through the trees in the bright scintillating sun light, until you reach LAKE BUTLER, one of the beauty spots of creation. This is an intro- duction to the wonderful water system of this section of country, which is a great boon to it. It is owing to this great water supply that one is compelletl, however warm the days, to sleep under a blanket at night. The gentle elevation of the land as you recede from the coast waters, secures this place as. a natural Sanitarium. In point of its drainage it is perfect. Its air, and the aroma from its resinous Pines, and other smaller growths, give vigor and an embracing life to the physical man, while the medical qualities of its Springs as a remedial agency, are unsurpassed. It is well known that the belief was entertained among the Spaniards that a spring could be found, the waters of which would restore the vigor of youth to age, and perpet- uate life eternally, and much of their explorations were de- voted in efforts to make this discovery. Whether the Congress Springs are these Springs, we do not presume to say. We leave that for each one to deter- mine by his own experiments. The investigation of them will be pleasant pastimes while there. The rapid growth of the town springing so spasmodically into existence shows the merit of its selection. The location was chosen not until those who located it had traversed the whole State. It was located about January 1st, 1883. In 1884, the requirements of the town induced a steamboat company to form, and the splendid excursion steamer, " Gov. Saflford," was put on in November to ply between Disston and Cedar Keys. From Cedar Keys, one has 14 the Palace Oar to New York direct, and to all parts of the coimtry. A school house had been erected. A Hack liue had been established to run south to Tampa, giving tourists a romantic ride through the forests, and along side the crystal lakes of Florida. Two Hotels had been built, giving fare equal to New York or San Francisco, at rates lower than at the former place. Telegraphic facilities had been established. Stores had been built, and saw mills started. PLEASURES AT Tarpon Springs. The place is admirably located for excursion trips in any direction, If the tourist comes from Cedar Keys north, he can then go to Tampa south, by one of the pleasantest COACH RIDES THROUGH THE WOODS TO BE FOUND ANYWHERE. If he comes by way of the south, and has seen Tampa, he can take the steamer, "GOVERNOR SAFFORD,'^ AND ENJOY A Six Hours' Sail on the Gulf to Cedar Keys. East and West give equally pleasant results, and of a varied na- ture. To the east a romantic park-like ride brings you TO L^^KIE BXJTLErt, A scene to be remembered all your life. To the West takes you among innumerable ISLANDS AND BAYS out to the full fledged Gulf, harboring as it does at certain seasons, the great sponge fleets of the South seas. It is estimated that one hundred thousand dollars worth of sponges are annually taken by this fleet. 10 TO THE ANGLER. IS^ature seems to have made this spot with the tacit un- derstanding with all human kind, that he who was born with a spirit of the angler in him, should certainly visit it. Fishing in these waters is something like crabbing on the Harlem Flats at New York in the height of the season. The only difference is that the crabs there have their sea- son ; while to the fishing here, with the exception of some few species perhaps, there is no season. From January to December you may throw the line. Let the green turtle epicures come down here, and we'll give them a "deal.' The hotels at Tampa set oysters on the tables continually as a relish, just as the hotels north furnish chow-chow or pickles. The English Oapt. Bernard Romans in his " Concise Nat- ural History of Florida," says : " The whole of the west coast of East Florida is covered with fishermen's huts and flakes; these are built by the Spanish tisherineu from Havana, who come annually to this coast to the number of thirtj^ sail, and one or two visit Kio d'Ais, or Indian River, and other places on the east coast. The principal fish here, of which the Spaniards make up their cargoes, is the red drum, called in East Florida a bass. They also salt a quantity of fish which they call pompanos, for which they get a price three times as high as for other fish. A few soles, sea trout, and the roe of mullet and 1)1 ack drum make up the remainder of their cargoes. These roes are dried and smoked, and used instead of caviare by the Spaniards, who are very fond of them.'' Vacbting and Fishing Grounds at Tarpon Springs 18 AgaiD he says: — " It abounds so much iu lisb, that a person may sit on the bank and stick them with a knife or sharp stick, as they swim by. I have frequently shot from four to twelve mul- lets at one shot ; nay, our boys used to go alongside the vessel in the boat and kill the catfish with a hatchet. In St. Augustine, the fishermen used to allow peojile who brought a real (12^ cents) to take as many fish as they pleased out of the boats." Dr. 0. J. Kenworthy, author of " Fishing with the Fly," says : " Lake Butler, a short distance from the hotel, affords good fishing for Black Bass." [The hotel above alluded to is the Tarpon Springs Hotel ] THE TARPON SPRINGS HOTEL, is the headquarters for these Great Fishing and Hunting Grounds, being within the company's domains. Speaking of mau«y other conditions of this location, the Doctor further says : * * * * " and last though not least, a greater variety of fish that will t^ke the ^y, than in any other section of the Union." 20 DESCRIPTION OF THE FAMOUS FISH OF FLORIDA. TiTE Bed Snapper : — Truly a sportsman's fish, abounds along the west coast. Size at and about Tarpon, averag- ing from 3 lbs. to 8 lbs. They are a shy fish, but will snap savagely at your bait, and will give you a lively and interesting chase it you have a good line, and plenty of it; and after you return home will heighten the satisfaction you had in taking him by giving you a savory relish. This fish is good moonlight sport, as it feeds well at night. The Salt Water Oat-Fish: — Here we have a fish, which, though not largely eaten by the people of Florida, has a firm and well flavored flesh, and furnishes good sport for the inexperienced angler. It '' takes every thing within its reach" liberally; and in some cases are so plenty in places, that you may drop your hook among them, without bait, and hook them iu the side, breast, and all parts of the body. The Mullet : — This, although not a game fish, is of a more essential interest to mankind, as it is a food fish and is also the principal bait for all the angling fish of Florida. This species is so prolific, it seems the more you kill the more there is remains — like the emphatic mosquito. The lakes, rivers and bays swarm with them ; often it would seem that your boat would be obstructed by a shoal of them ahead of you in the river. They never take the bait and have to be netted. They furnish food for all the greater variety of all the other fish ; afford much amusement in leaping into the air, and performing their antics ; they were the favorite dish of the ancient Eomans. 21 The Shbepshead:— Can be taken in droves and with ready bait. The Tarpon: — This is decidedly a game fish. With scales as big" and as bright as a silver dollar, leaping and making chaos and commotion on the surface of a summer bay or Bayou. Well, suffice to say, that when you succeed in *' bringing in" one of these, weighing any thing over 20 lbs. the Tarpon Springs Hotel will illuminate in your honor — always. The scales of this tish are used for ITlorida jewelry. The Pompano:— The sweetest food fishes of the west coast. To enjoy a sweetest morsel of the finny tribe, how- ever, one must catch, cook and eat one of these fish at their native home. The Salt Water TEOUT:-This fish affords good sport on the hook, and gives corresponding satisfaction in its delicious flavor. It will not keep ; but cooked and eaten at once is one of the greatest of delicacies. You must go to Florida to eirjoy him. It is known that all fish caught on the Florida coast, may be eaten, except perhaps the Hog-fish, and of this even many claim it, a safe and savory edible. The following fish are plentiful throughout the coast. Kingfish, • Angle fish, Mullet, Red Drum, Grouper, ' Black Drnrn, Eed Snapper, Parrotfi&h, Pompanos, Hogfish, Jewtish, Cattish, Bluefish, Black Bass, Blackfish, Channel Ba^s, Sheepshead, Ladyfish, Tarpon, Bream, Silverfish, Sea Trout, Rocktish, Cavalli, Salt Water Trout And many other smaller and delicious varieties. WITH THE SALE OF ^on^ ^illior^^ of Sdfe^ OF CHOICE FLORIDA LANDS, TO WHAT IS KNOWN AS THE DISSTON COMPANY, HAMILTON DISSTON, Esq.; Ex. Gov. A. P. K. SAFFORD; W. C. PARSONS, Esq. aud C. H. GROSS, Esq. HAVE OPENED TO THE WORLD THE NEW AND FAMED LANDS OF THE West Coast of Florida, BORDERING ON THE GULF OF MEXICO. Headquarters of these new interests are at Tarpon Springs. Stop and glance at the Springs and see the lands of the L(kke Sutlef Villk dompki^y. In speaking of this west Coast, Dr. J. C. Kenworthy, of Jacksonville, says: it is a " piscatorial incognito." And adds : "Tha coast is shoal and can be navigated in a small boat. . The stream^ are numerous, and excellent camping-grounds' will be found on their banks. The shoal waters along the coast abound with ducks, the shores with beach birds, and the land with deer and turkeys. All the streams abound with black bass [southern trout], channel bass, cavalli, sheepshead, bream and sea trout. On these streams a fly rod would be found very useful." 23 ORANGE CULTURE. ® — 4-V^ s ^ "^ — 4 > V -- ADAPTED TO THE WEST COAST. The orange, as a product, has always stared the poor man in the face and out of countenance, from the fact that the tree took from 4 to 5 years to bear. He knew that there was a great market for vegetables which he might grow, and in which he might realize 30 per cent, from, on the capital he might lay out in an orange grove, while he was waiting for that grove to bear. The great trouble was, until recently, he could not get his products to market. These facilities are now thoroughly given him by the great influx of railroads and steamboats, which are now going on. The great adaptability of the west coast bordering the Gulf of Mexico, for all citrus growths is now well established, and is being rapidly taken advantage of. Hillsborough and Hernando counties are especially noted. This whole section is being rapidly filled up. It is virgin soil ; has just been put in the market, and the bfst orange and vegetable lands in the State can now be pur- chased here for the paltry sum of from $10 to $15 per acre. 4s the mind requires something tangible, we give some figures below, which will aid one to more thoroughly calcu- late. COST OF A FIVB-AORE ORANGE GROVE. 5 acres of best land $15--------- $75.00 Breaking up and fencing $10 per acre ----- 50.00 300 trees and setting out — they should be seed- lings, 2 years old -----.-.-. 150.00 $275.00 24 This is ouly an approximate. You can buy good orange land within five miles of shipping facilities for less— as low even as $10. Then again, yon may have land which is less or more difficult to clear. But, to use round figures, $300 will show a five-acre Orange Grove nicely set out, and which, in three years, will give you a crop. If you will set out your own trees, $50 may be taken off the above amount. This having been accomplished, you proceed to put in your vegetables of which yon realize, after 90 days from your in- vestment, 40 per cent, profit, which continues until your oran- ges begin to come. The orange being a very hardy tree, and being set about 30 feet apart, leaves ample room for the whole area to be used for vegetables and under growths, until the orange get its growth; and, as every month in the year is used for planting some kind of vegetable, in Florida, the profit on an investment in an Orange Grove, may readily be seen dating from after the first 90 days, from the time of the purchase of the land. Parties from the north are showing vigorous appreciation of these facts, and are forming companies for the purpose of raising vegetables to be shipped north in the winter. In the summer, vegetables of a semi-tropical nature will enable them to ship all the year round at fabulous prices. Bearing in mind that there is only one Florida ; that the whole of the State is only 100 miles wide by 400 long; the value of these lands when all taken up can barely be computed. A thriving orange grove will net about $1,000 per acre an- nually. We give, on pp. 28-29, alist of the vegetables which may be grown on the west coast, and the months they may be planted in. MORE MONEY WILL BE H H THIS YEAR THAN EVER BEFORE FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE OF THE WEST 'COAST, Which have been opened up for sale recently. Read what a correspondent of the New York Times says, after a trip over this section last winter: "The Times and I are still exploring sti*ange countries, and when every New Yorker who can will be sailing boats and picking oranges in midwinter here on this Gulf coast of Florida, I shall take credit to myself for having been one of the first, at least, to bring this beautiful and quiet spot to the notice of the people. And I am glad to be able to write thus of it without feeling that I am making a tremendous puff for some wealthy corporation, for this west coast is virgin soil, owned principally by the State, and nobody is especially interested in bringing people to it." 26 THE GREAT ORANGE QUESTION. The question has been asked — " Won't orauge raising be over done 1 " One might as well ask whether potatoes or corn will be over done. And more so, because there is an uulim- ited field for their growth. But not so with the orauge. The Southern half of Oaliforuia and the peninsula of Flor- ida is your limit. It has been estimated that if every inch of land in the whole United States, which would grow the orange, were planted with it, it would not necessitate a de- cline in prices. But there are two points to be considered: — First : Kegardless of price, people would use more of them because they would see more of them, and be brought in closer relatioD, upon the principle that merchandise will sell only in proportion as it is brought to the eyes and ears of the public. A man may have ever so good a thing, but if it was never brought to the notice of the public it would not sell. A woman goes to market for the simple necessaries of life. She has no inlention of buying any apples, grapes, oranges, or figs, but on walking through the market place, she espies some rosy cheeked apples. It occurs to her at once that " a few" of them would go nice in the evening or Snuday. Now she buys*" a few" of them at least, regard- less of price within reason. We venture to say that nine people out of ten thus bring home some little choice relish or morsel which was not on their list when they started out. And why 1 Simply, and for the one sole reason that they saw it. 27 This woman bought the apples because she saw them. She did not see any oranges. Now suppose that oranges were equally displayed with apples. How many, do you compute would be sold even if the prices were higher ? The answer is, every orange that every inch of orange laud in the Uni- ted States could produce. But uow comes in the sequel^ and a pleasant one in the second point to be considered. Secondly: It has been estimated that the orange crops^ could be made to stand a reduction of one-eighth their pre- sent cost, and still " pay." Oranges now bring, in Florida, two to three cents a piece at the groves. It has been shown they would pay at as low as one quarter of a cent each. The extreme high prices are, however, kept up by the orange grower, who, at these prices, reclines in all the luxuries of his grove, with more ease than grace, than that of your most opulent cotton grower further north. But the reduction of the orange at a mere living profit it seems, will never be necessarj^, from the principle explained above. The demand increasing with their excessive expos- ure in the market, will more than balance any possible in- crease from the limited space of land we have to grow them in. No ! It is a well proven problem that the orange grower will always live a comparative life of ease and lux- ury which ever way you compute. 28 ^A^HEN AND V^HAT TO PLANT. 111 January, plant Irish potatoes, peas, beets, turnips, cabbage, and all hardy or semi-hardy vegetables ; make hot beds for pushing the more tender plants, such as melons, to- matoes, okra, egg-plants, etc.; set out fruit and other trees, and shrubbery. Fehruary—Keep planting for a succession, same as in Jan- uary ; in addition, plant vines of all kinds, shrubbery, and fruit trees of all kinds, especially of the citrus family, snap beans, corn , bed sweet potatoes for draws and slips. Oats may also be still sown, as they are in previous months. March— Com, oats, and planting of February may be con- tinued ; transplant tomatoes, egg-plants, melons, beans, and vines of all kinds ; mulberries, and blackberries are now ripening. April — Plant as in March, except Irish potatoes, kohl rabi, turnips; continue to transplant tomatoes, okra, egg plants ; sow millet, cow peas, for fodder; plant the butter bean, lady peas ; dig Irish potatoes. Onions, beets, and usual early vegetables should be plenty for table. May — Plant sweet potatoes for draws in beds; continue planting corn for table; snap beans, and cucumbers ought to be well forward for use; continue planting okra, egg plants, pepper, butter beans. June — The heavy planting of sweet potatoes and cow peas is now in order ; Irish potatoes, tomatoes, and a great vari- ety of table vegetables are now ready, as also plums, early peaches, and grapes. 29 July — Sweet potatoes and cow peas are safe to plant, the rainy season beiu^ favorable ; grapes, peaches and figs are in full season. Orange trees may be set out if the season is wet. J.it^ffsi— Finish up planting sweet potatoes and cow peas ; sow cabbage, cauliflower, turnips for fall planting; plant kohl rabi and rutabagas ; transplant orange trees and bud ; last of month plant a few Irish potatoes and beans. Septeiiiber — Now is the time to commence for the true winter garden — the garden which is commenced in the North in April and May. Plant the whole range of vegetables ex- cept sweet potatoes ; set out asparagus, onion sets and strawberry plants. October — Plant same as last month ; put in garden peas ; set out cabbage plants; dig sweet potatoes; sow oats, rye, etc. Novemiber — A good month for garden ; continue to plant and transplant, same as for October; sow oats, barley and rye for winter pasturage crops ; dig sweet potatoes ; house or bank them ; make sugar and syrup. Z>6cem&er— Clear up generally ; fence, ditch, manure, and plant hardy vegetables; plant, set out orange trees, fruit trees and shrubbery ; keep a sharp look-out for an occasional frost; a slight protection will prevent injury. It will be seen from the above, that there is no month in the year but what fresh and growing vegetables can be had for sale and domestic use. A single season will afford strawberries from the setting out, ripe figs from two-year-old cuttings, grapas the second year, peaches the second and third years, oranges from the bud in three to five years. The region for miles about Tarpon Springs is particularly adapted to all citrus products. 30 A party of gentlemen who were there hist spring have bonded a tract of 1,000 acres with a view of forming a stock company for raising vegetables and semi-tropical fruits to ship north. Orange will be the ultimate result. The whole will be laid out in one gorgeous system of Oranges, Lemons, Ouavers, Bananas, Figs, etc. But from the immense profits in vegetables, and that they may utilize the winter and summer alike, it is to be an orange and vegetable company at the same time. -c!5i;:5C!!>ii;;:3C!9i«;:5C!%s;:5- TEMPERATURE OF FLORIDA. This page is for the intelligent. It has seemed to be a dif- ficult thing to comprehend the summers of Florida. I find many supposing that, as the Florida winters were warmer than our winters, its summers must be correspondingly warmer than our summers. After reading this, never say or think so again. It would show your incompetency to com- prehend the very simple table below. Table of temperatures taken at Tallahassee, the capital, showing the average temperature for June, during three suc- cessive years. ^^ ^_^ ^^ 03 03 e3 CO fl d d d s8 53 o3 cS v • 0) ■ a> • V aa aa aa a >>e8 ^fi ^03* >. .ar- ■=)« •So* Si ea a d d o o o o g S ^ ^ June, 1881 80.0 89.8 84.5 84.8 " 1883 , 77.1 78.9 86.1 87.3. 78.4 78.3 80.5 " 1883 81.4 31 The better and truer idea of Florida may be bad by saying that its summers are a continuation of its enjoyable winters. There are a few isolated locations which are exceptions to this as to all other good rules. For instance, at the extreme southern point around the swamp lands of the everglades, where fevers are created, and also on the St. John's River, and at Jacksonville, most delightful places in the winter, are not so in summer. In this then is what the western coast — that bordering on the Gulf of Mexico — excels. The whole expression of this location may be implied by the re- mark a gentleman from New York made, who had been at Tarpon Springs at two different times— February and Sep- tember. " Why ! " said he, " one might come here in the winter to get rid of the cold ; and in the summer to get rid of the heat of the north." This remark, however, can be ap- plied only, we must recollect, where a place has the advan- tage of the breezes, and purifying element of lakes and the other water systems which exists in Florida. EOUTE TO THE WEST COAST. The West coast, which has heretofore lain a hidden pleas- ure waste to most every condition of the sportsman, has now a practical source of access in the new steamboat, " Gov. Saflfbrd," which has been put on to ply down the west coast from Cedar Keys. Heretofore parties could go only as far as Cedar Keys with that comfort and luxury which betokens the American, and there held in abeyance by the tantalizing stories of the achievements of the " fly" and the gun ; with the phantom vision of mystic lakes, the safe bayous, and streams teaming with the choicest specimens of the finny tribe which lined the coast to the south, and then return home without seeing that part of Florida which has aroused both the avarice and curiosity of all for the past few years. 32 This location has been extolled by everj- one who has seeo it since the Spaniards first besought their King in 1539 to '' lay hold and possess it." ■ The routes to the two entry ports of Florida — Fernandina and Jacksonville — are so numerous, persons have now an al- most unlimited choice, both by land or water. All persons from either the North or West buy their tickets to either one of these two points. From here let us suggest a route and then indulge in a few remarks. ThG Great New Route Through Florida THIS SEASON IS, Arriving at Fernandina or Jacksonville from New York, TO TAKE THE FROM TO DISTANCE Florida Railway and Navigation Company. Jacksonville or Fernandina. Cedar Keys, 155 miles. New and splendid Steamer "Governor Safford." Cedar Keys. Tarpon Springs, and down the Coast to Anclote, Dunedin, Disston and Tampa. Sanford. About 100 miles. South Florida Railway. Tampa 115 miles. St. John's River Boats. Sanford Jacksonville or Fernandina. 193 miles. 33 The foregoing table gives a route to tourists visiting Flor- ida by whicli they can see more of the State, and at less cost than any other trip of equal length he can make in all Flor- ida. He first crosses the Northern part of the State through that section, which portrays that condition of climate which is just sufficiently removed from the climate of the southern portion of the State, to prevent the production of some of the more tropical fruits. The steamer '' fiov. Safford" will then escort you through a region possessing conditions for every variety of pleasure known. The trip across the South Florida Kaih'oad to Sanford takes you through the more tropical Florida; while The trip from Sanford to Jacksonville takes you down the wonderful St. John's to Jacksonville, and completes a trip which you will be sure to repeat the next season. This whole circuit, from Jacksonville throughout the state, and return to Jacksonville without doubling any ground can, at the present high prices, be made for $25. We can not presume to give the exact cost as there is all probability of there being a reduction from time to time hereafter, with the rapidly increasing facilities. This will, however, guide you in your rough calculations for this winter. A WORD TO OUR ADVERTISERS Au unlimited number of this little book will be published from time to time. Its interest will be the rapidly increasing popularity of all sections of Florida. The advantages in advertising for all those having any in- terest at all in the South or Florida, will be readily felt, as the book will be for free distribution, and will be distributed on all the lines between New York and the South. A principal feature of it for the next four months is, that it will be largely distributed at the New Orleans Exhibition. For rates and all other information, address E. OONKLIlSr, 196 BROADWAY, Eoom 20, NEW YORK. FROM THE WINTER IN FLORIDA GO TO THE BY THE COOLING SHADES OF THE GREAT MADERA ROUTE THROUGH THE GREAT MARIPOSA GROVE. SAM. MILLER, - 2 Montgomery St. SAN FRANCISCO. "The Yosemite Valley is, and will ever be, the marvel and delight of all who have seen its matchless beauty and majesty." WILLIAM B. MIRANDA, Agent FLORIDA LAND & IMPROYEMENT CO. And for Sale of Lots in Disston. Notarj PDMic Stats at Larp. Expert i Titles, Males Abstracts. Will Survey and Examine and Report on Land Purchases. P. O. Address, PINELLAS, Hillsborongh Co,, Fla. 10! FOR FLO AN EXCURSION WILL LEAVE New York for Florida AT Very Reduced Rates. ON JANUARY 15th, 1885, . This Excursion will be the first to take in the NEWLY OPENED COUNTRY, AND THE I[icli Orange Fields of the West Coast of Florida. The route will be that suggested on page 33 of this pamphlet. As one will see this route exbibits to the traveler, not only all The Principal Cities of the South, But also the different Geographic;d and Climatic Features of Florida. It takes in THE BEAUTIFUL ST. JOHN'S. It shows you the Orange Lands of the West Coast of Florida. It traverses the Highlands of North-Central Florida, and charms you with the. Serai-tropical growth of Southern Florida. It gives you at TARPON SPRINGS YACHTING AND FISHING, SUCH AS THE SPORTSMEN NEVER DREAMED OF. E AND Enjoy THAT EXHILARATING CHAHGE FROM SHADOW INTO SUNSHINE! FROM STERILE NORTH to SUNNY SOUTH! The Excursion will leave foot of Cortland (or Desbrosses) Streets on January 15th, and take in Washington;* Richmond; Wilmington; Charlestown; Savan- nah; Jacksonville; Cedar Keys; Tarpon Springs; Tampa; Sanford; Palatka; St. John's River. Come to Florida ! thy wise and better sage, And plant thy grove before you are to old. For, as the sun brings priceless gifts to youth, The Golden Fruit will line your tills with Oold. A LEADING FEATURE of this trip will be A SPECIAL EXCURSION FROM TARPON SPRINGS TO TAMPA. Where all will have an opportunity of visiting the grand new summer hotel "THE palmetto;' Just opened at Tampa. ORANGES AND BANANAS are ripe in December and January, and may ba picked from tree and bush. The Boom in Florida has begun. Take it in, the bud! For rates, special privileges for stopping off, and all other information con- cerning the trip, apply to 196 Broadway, Moont 20, New York. PROSPECTUS OF THE rARPOfiFRDlT AND LAUD COMPAti!, SOME FACTS ABOUT FLORIDA. The great influx to Florida for the jiast two years has awakened an unprecedented interest in all the industries ; and Florida shows to- day, that life, which California did in '49. California for her gold; but Florida for her more permanent golden fruits. Within the past two years Florida has increased her Eailroad facili- ties from two distinct lines to fifty projected ones, and TEN NEW ROADS IN ACTUAL OPERATION. Fourteen thousand families settled in Florida last year, '83. These were actual settlers and have no reference to the tens-of- thousands tourists and travelers who visit there every year. More conspicuous than the other industries now obtaining there, is that of fruit and vegetables growing. When we speak of this as an industry we speak of it as a commercial interest, and not as an individ- ual farm. Companies are forming over all the state for the produc- tion of fruits and vegetables, for shipment North during the winter months, and the fabulous prices realized from this industry, yet in its infancy, bespeaks the future. :;;;;e=itheiee£: Yki'pon 33^f uit cind L(kT:^d Coffipkny, The objects of this company are the growing of fruits and vegetables all the year round and shipping North during the winter months. The practibility of, and the profits in, such an enterprise can be got from any and all published matter on Florida. The company has bonded a tract of one thousand acres of orange land on the North side of the Cootee River, Florida. The Cootee, which has had its name boiled down from Pithlachuscooiee, is a beautiful stream running directly west and emptying into the Gulf of Mexico, and at whose mouth is Port Richie. South of this is the equally beautiful Anclote River, only six miles apart, running parallel, and also emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. At the North of this river is located the famous Watering Place and Summer Re- sort of The company's lands are located on the Cootee, about three miles from its mouth, and the river is navigable for some distance above the lands. From the above facts it will be seen these have two points of ship- ment. First, directly down the Cootee river to Port Richie, three miles. Secondly, by wagon down to the Anclote River and Tarpon Springs. At both these places, the Gulf Coast Steamboat Company, opened in November, '84, transports freight to Cedar Keys and all parts of the country direct. This company offers a new feature to each one of its incorporators. It deeds at once a 5-acre tract, beauti- fully located for a winter residence in Florida. No other company offers this great inducement. Thrtie more often incorporators are wanted. =S=.THE EXCURSION--:::: WHICH LEAVES NEW 'XORK ON THE 15th OF JANUARY, WILL GO OVER THE GROUNDS. Take the Trip and see the Country for Yourself. For further information, address, E. oonsTKLiisr, 190 BBOADWAY, lioom 20, NEIV YOBK. THIS SPACE IS RESERVED FOR AN ENGRAVING OF THE THEMAGNIFICENT NEW HOTEL Situated at the Head of Tampa Bay, THE mmmimili % THE Wii^tet^ ki^d ^unirqet^ l^e^ort OP FLORIBA, H. L, SCRANTON, Proprietor %(iQ ^^nvcauQQ THE ONLY STRICTLY AT CEDAR KEYS, FLORIDA. OYSTERS AND FISH A SPECIALTY. jTfiie i5>t* lain^s THE IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, J. R. CAMPBELL, - - Proprietor. TO FLORIDA. BY THE MALLORY STEAMSHIP LINE, Is Safe, Direct, Convenient, and Without Change Between New York and Fernandina. Sailing from Ne^A^ York Pier 21, East River. EVERY FRIDAY, 3 o'clock, P. M. Steamers arrive at Fernandina, Tuesday morning, where direct connection is made with the Fernandina and Jacksonville Shore Line for Jacksonville and all points on the St. John's, Ocklawaha, Indian and Halifax Rivers and with Florida Railway and Navigating Go's. System, which reaches.nearly every point in the State. Sailing from Fernandina, Fl a., EVERY THURSDAY EVENING, After arrival of Trains from JACKSONVILLE and CEDAE KEYS B^- PASSENGERS from points on ST. JOHN'S RIVER arrive in JACKSON- VILLE on THURSDAY morning, and can take the MORNING or AFTER- NOON train for FERNANDINA. tW PASSENGERS landed on STEAMERS' WHARF, and step at once on board STEAMERS, where DINNER IS SERVED AT 6 P. M iE:^ BAGGAGE transferred FREE from Boat to Train, at Jacksonville, and checked through to New York. m" THROUGH TICKETS, SINGLE or EXCURSION, on sale at all principal points in Florida, also points NORTH and EAST. B^f" FREIGHT RATES as low as the lowest. Through Bills of Lading issued, ALL JUST CLAIMS PROMPTLY SETTLED. For Rates of Freight and Passage, Maps, Printed Matter and general information, apply to a n. MALL0R7 & GO., OenH Ag'ts, Pier 20, Bast River, N. T. SETH SPRAOUE, 3 Old State House, Boston. U McMURlRIE, Agent, 2 Chestnut St. , Philadelphia. FORCE & WATERBURT, Ag'ts. 104 Walnut St., Baltimore. JOHN RICH General So. Agent, Jacksonville, Fla. R. W. SOUTHWIGK, Agent, Fernandina, Fla. THE ONLY DIRECT STEAMSHIP LINE . THE KEY LINE. UNLOCKS THE COMBINATION OP TRANSPORTATION INTO FLORIDA. THE ENTIRE SYSTEM BEING RE-LAID WITH NEW AND HEAVY STEEL, FLORIDA RAILWAY & NAVIGATION COMPANY, COMPOSED OP THE FOLLOWING LINES : MILES. Central Division, (Florida Transit & Pensacola Railroad,) - - 155 Southern Division, (Floiida Tropical & Pensacola Railroad) - 105 Western Division, (Florida Central & Western Railroad,) - - 209 Jacksonville Branch, (Fernandina & Jacksonville Railroad,) - 32 Lusbuig Branch, (Lusburg & Indian River Railroad,) ... 28 8t Mark's Branch, (Tallahassee to St. Mark's,) ... 21 Monticello Branch, (Drifton to Monticello,) - - - - 4 Total Mileage, main track, 538 SOLID THROUGH TRAINS DAILY BETWEEN PENSACOLA & JACKSONVILLE, FERNANDINA & TAVARES, FERNANDINA & CEDAR KEYS. FERNANDINA & JACKSONVILLE. AND* BETWEEN FERNANDINA AND WITHLACOOCHA RIVER. Pullman Palace Sleeping Cars betvpeen New Orleans and Jacksonville. Leve & Alden Sleeping and Palace Day Cars between Fernandina and Tavares. The through Daily Trains of the Southern Division transports passengers to the wonderful, newly-developed TARPOW SPRIJVOS. The most beautiful, picturesque and interesting section of the ;NEW FLORIDA. The Central and Southern Divisions are the most direct route to the Sports- man's Paradise — the unappropriated Eden of the Lower Peninsula and the Gulf Coast. These regions are largely unoccupied, and almost unexplored and un- known. They are capable of a profusion of almost every variety of tropic pro- duct. Deer, bear, alligators, etc., not to mention an unlimited number and variety of smaller game, wander in the brakes and prairies; land, fresh- water and sea-birds of the rarest and most diversified types, inhabit the woods, streams, bayous and the salt waves and coral Keys of the Gulf; while the rivers, lagoons and the open Gulf swarm with fish, the rarest, gamest and most delicious. Now being opened to travel and settlement by the Florida Railway and Navigation Company. Send for NEW ILLUSTRATED PAMPHLET, free. THE INAUGURATION OP THE STEAMER GOVERNOR SAFFORD" Nov. 1884. FLYING BETAVEEN CEDAR KEYS AND DISSTON ON THE We^t Coh^t of J^lofidk Was the opening ui> to the world of that section of Florida, which will be THE GREAT YACHTING AND FISHING GROUNDS OF THE SOUTH EAST. Hear what a correspondent of the Netv York Herald said of a trip up the coast hist winter: "Tampa Bay was then visited, which stretch of water was left on April 8th, for the fishing grounds between Egmont Key and Cedar Keys. The run to the northward was very pleasant, and the fishing found to be excellent. The yachtsmen speak in the highest praise of the west coast of Florida as a yachting ground. Fine harbors are to be found every ten or fifteen miles, the water is smooth, the storms or squalls are rare. The fishing and shooting are excellent, and nowhere so far as observation extends, can be found more enjoyable waters for genuine yachting, comfort and amusement. ££ WAY Cross Short LIRE/' -TO- Florida, New Orleans, Texas, Mexico, &c., Remember that this is the only Route running 3 SOUTHERN EXPBESS TRAINS DAILY 3 That it is the only Route Running Through f^ullirikTl ?klkde Buffet glee^piri^ Cki'^, NEW YORK TO JACKSONVILLE, And the only Route Passing through the Cities of Richiiioiid, Wiliiiiiigton, Charleston & Savannah. For tickets, time tables, reservation of Sleeping Car, Sections and Berths, apply at following named offices; NEW ORLEANS ; 102 CANAL STREET. MARION KNOWLES, Passen§rer Agent, Savannah, Ga. JNO. H. GRIFFEN, Passenger Agent, or WM. BRIEN. 22 Bnll St. JACKSON YILLE; Ticket Office, WAY CROSS SHORT LINE, Astor Build'g. FLORIDA HEADQUARTERS, 261 BROADWAY, New York. H. C. HJlRDEN, Eastern Passenger Agent. a jd. o^vens, General Agent. T. SCANTLEBURY, GENERAL STORE And dealer in And Photographic Materials, Manufactui'er of of all sections of THE AMERICAN CONTINENT. At Tarpon Springs one can procure the finest photographic views of all Florida to be found anywhere in the state. The trade supplied with stereoscopic and cabinet views of any section of the U. S. at prices less than they can manufacture them. Lantern slides made from all our negatives. Our Negatives are originals, and are the result of a ten years' collection from all parts of our country, from Alaska to Mexico; and from San Francisco to New York. We publish in two sizes: THE LARGE ARTISTIC SIZE, 4^ x 7 in. And THE REGULAR SIZE OF 3^x7 in. Send for prices; and please send your business card that we will know what rates to give you. SPECIAL RATES IN LARGE QUANTITIES Address, T. SCANTLEBURY, TARPON SPRINGS, Hillsborongh Co., Florida. WHO IS UNACQUAINTED WITH THE GEOGRAPHY OF THIS COUNTRY, WILL SE€ BY EXAMINING THIS MAP, THAT THE YM I N NHB^WJF ^^ |WAsn,.,_""- JuncJ XlncolaC 2/ 6°* yfi ■<} ^- !■ 5, V ChillicotliP, iCoi y^ ^OMINQJON I / ^~^>A>^i»''' / W a n s a 9 C y . ^o^-w,, ,., ZT^ y.T' ik ISLAND & PACIFIC R. R. IS THE GREAT CONNECTING LINK BETWEEN THE EAST AND THE WEST ! AND AT SAN FRANCISCO WITH THE SUPERB STEAMER "CALIFORNIA." FOR ALL POINTS IN Washington Territory, Oregon and Alaska. THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA & SANTA FE RAILROAD. SERVES ITS PATRONS WITH Four Trains Daily tlirough Kansas. Two Trains Daily to Colorado. Two Trains Daily to New Mexico. Two Trains Daily to Arizona. One Train Daily to Utah . Two Trains Daily to Old Mexico. Two Trains Daily to California. One Train Daily to Nevada . And connects by stage, raiil or steamer with all points on the coast, in the west or sonth-west. ONLY ONE CHANGE OF CARS FROM KANSAS CITY TO SAN FRANCISCO. PULLMAN PALACE SLEEPING CARS TO DENVER, COLOR.\DO SPRINGS, PUEBLO, DEMING AJSTD EL PASO. Is the fast through train between Kansas City and Denver, via Pueblo and Colorado Springs. THREE ROUTES TO CALIFORNIA. Take the direct route to Pueblo, Denver, Leadville, Gunnison, Salt Lake City, Ogden, Las Vegas, Santa Fe, Albuqurque, El Paso, Chihuahua, Tucson, Guaymas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, via the Atchison, Tfepeka & Santa Fe Railroad. The Grand Canon of the Arkansas, the health- giving Hot Springs at Las Vegas, the ancient city of Santa Fe, the silent abode of the Cliff-dwell- ers, the quaint pueblos of the Zunis, the Grand Canon of the Colorado, and the far-famed Yose- mite greet the eye of the tourist, and unite to make anyone of these three trans-continental lines of travel attractive and interesting. FREE RIDE TO DENVER AND LEADVILLE. By an arrangement with the Denver & Rio Grande Railway all through passengers, of all claasee, over the A. T. & S. F. R. R , holding tickets from points on the Missouri river or east thereof to Ogden or any point beyond reached via the Central Pacific Riilroad, may make the side trips from Pueblo to Denver and return to Salida to Leadville and return, without any extra expense for railroad fare. The effect of this is to put the capital of Colorado and her great carbonate camp on the Santa Fe's Northern Route to the coast. QUICK TIME and CHEAP FARES. FROM AUSTRALASIA, CHINA and JAPAN TO NEW YORK, GALVESTON, NEW ORLEANS, and EUROPEAN PORTS. Via San Francisco. The Great Transcontinental All-rail Routes, via the CENTRAL PACIFIC R. R. OR SOUTHERN PACIFIC R. R. Are now in complete running order from San Francisco to the Atlantic Sea-Board. Through Express Trains leave San Francisco daily, making prompt connections with the several Railway Lines in the East, for all Cities of the UNITED STATES AND CANADA, CONNECTING AT NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS With the several Steamer Lines to England. France and all European Ports. A. N. TOWNE, T. H. GOODMAN, General Manager. Gen. Pass, and Ticket Agent. SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. THE NEW ROUTE BETWEEN CEDAR KEY AND DTSSTON ON THE We^t Cok^t of J^lofidk. The New and Coiiimodious STEAMER 4t/i GO VEEN OR S AFFORD," i8 now making regular trips between CEDAR KEY and DISSTON, INCLUDING Hudson, Anclote, Tarpon Springs, Port Richie, Dunedin, Clear Water Harbor and Disston. All visitors to Florida, will hail this new ronre, as it has been the clamor of tourists to Ploiida for some time back to visit the great nat- ural Yachting and Fishing grounds, known to exist in this section. Leaving Cedar Key one day, and returning the next, gives all a daylight view uf this heretofore unknown, but choicest portion of Florida. Toke this ride and stop off at the Beautiful TARPON SPRINGS.