Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 December 1884 — A Florida Curiosity. [ARTICLE]

A Florida Curiosity.

Payne's which is near the flourishing town of Gainesville, was, about ten years ago, one of the most fertile valleys in Florida. It was a favorite grazing place, and it is said that ten thousand cattle were annually fattened on its rich grass. It was a favorite resort of young people, who loved to ride or drive their gay steeds on the roads which passed in every direction over its level surface. Through this valley ran a gentle stream which furnished water to the cattle and added much to the fertility and beauty of the spot. This stream at the extreme end of the valley sank into two natural wells. These wells, known as the Sink, were in themselves curiosities. They are believed to have no bottom, and to be connected with the sea.

A curious phenomenon added strength to this seemingly impossible story; every morning and evening the water in them would rise and fall as if it was affected by the ebbing of the tide. About ten years ago, in some unaccountable way, these wells were stopped up, and the stream, having no outlet, began to overflow the valley. There is now no grassy plain, but in its place we see a beautiful lake six miles broad by eighteen long, on the bosom of which float thousands of dueks and other aquatio birds, and in whose Waters are found numberless fish.

Instead of cattle raising, the people who live near the prairies now are engaged in fishing, and find it, a very remunerative employment. The fish are caught with hooks, and are kept alive in vats sunk in the water until they are shipped. It is a curious sight to see them packing the fish. The day we visited the Sink we saw. nine barrels of fish, mostly trout, ready to be shipped. Youth's Companion.