Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 January 1902 — FLORIDA LETTER. [ARTICLE]

FLORIDA LETTER.

Gulf Hammock, Fla., Jan. 19. Editor Democrat:— We left Ocala Thursday A. M., about 10 o’clock and have been three days on the road. Our rig is the pride of Peninsular Florida. Dr. Blackiston of Ocala said our wagon was a regular palace car and the only thing we had to look out for was that the Plant System did not claim it, as it was painted in the colors of their rolling stock. We bought a second-hand wagon, a single light wagon; threw away the old box, painted the running gear a bright yellow, built a new 10 ft. box, and put up bows and covered them first with heavy canvas, then with black oilcloth, painted the box black, bought a mattress for our bed, and we are as cosy as two bugs in a rug. Our motor is a Florida horse of a bay-roan color, very gentle and true and sound. We forgot to ask his name so we christened him Peter. Mrs. Duncan of Ocala, where we roomed, who was raised an Irish Catholic, said if he was as good as St. Peter we would be all right. By the way, a Mrs. Delouest. who was once a Miss Halligan of Rensselaer, called on us one evening for the sake of seeing some Jasper county people. She seemed very pleasant and sociable. From her we learned that Sellers and Wilson had passed through Ocala, headed northward, after a stay of only a few days in Homosassa. Our wanderings so far, have been very much diversified as to country we passed through. The first day out of Ocala was through the limestone country, high and sandy, after we left the gravel road six miles out. The second day was high pine woods, mostly turpentined. Yesterday was much the same only interspersed with some beautiful little lakes. Today so far (till noon) we have been in the flat woods, low pine lands and cypress swamps. From here we soon strike the Gulf Hammock, a strip of hammock land that runs a northeast course clear to Gainsville. Friday we passed through the phosphate lands of the Marion County Phosphate Co. At Early Bird is a plant with all improved machinery for drilling and manufacturing, with steam tramway from the mines to the works. The weather is simply perfect. We are sitting out bareheaded, with no wraps and on the shady side of the wagon. Myers killed six quail, a dove and a rabbit Friday. We have passed through the towns of Martel, Early Bird and Romeo, all railroad towns. Our next mailing point will be Otter Creek. We are feeling fine and send regards to all.

MYERS & MYERS.