tion>Daniel G. Brinton
A Guide-Book of Florida and the South for Tourists, Invalids and Emigrants
Published by Good Press, 2019
EAN 4064066136406
Table of Contents
G U I D E - B O O K OF FLORIDA AND THE SOUTH.
THE SEASON FOR SOUTHERN TRAVEL.
PART III. CHAPTERS TO INVALIDS.
CHAP. 1.—WHEN IS A CHANGE OF CLIMATE ADVISABLE?
CHAP. II.—WHAT CLIMATE SHALL BE CHOSEN?
CHAP. III—WHERE IS THE BEST SOUTHERN WINTER CLIMATE?
CHAP. IV.—SOME HINTS TO HEALTH SEEKERS.
PREFACE.
This unpretending little book is designed to give the visitor to Florida such information as will make his trip more useful and more pleasant. In writing it I have had in mind the excellent European Guide-Books of Karl Bædeker, the best, to my mind, ever published. Though I have not followed his plan very closely, I have done so to the extent the character of our country seems to allow.
I have borrowed from him the use of the asterisk (*) to denote that the object so designated is especially noteworthy, or that the hotel thus distinguished is known to me to be well-kept, either from my own observation or that of friends.
Most of the localities are described from my own notes taken during an extended tour through the peninsula, but for much respecting railroad fare, accommodations, and charges, I am indebted to a large number of tourists and correspondents who have related to me their experience. To all these I express my warmest thanks for their assistance.
As of course such matters are constantly changing, and as I shall be most desirous to correct any errors, and bring the work fully up to the times in future editions, I shall esteem it a particular favor if those who use this book will forward me any notes or observation which will aid me in improving it. Such communications may be addressed “care of the Penn Publishing Co., 710 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, Penna.”
The map of the St. John River is based on that drawn by my friend, Mr. H. Lindenkohl, U. S. Coast Survey.
Philadelphia, August, 1869.
G U I D E - B O O K
OF
FLORIDA AND THE SOUTH.
PRELIMINARY HINTS.
THE SEASON FOR SOUTHERN TRAVEL.
The season for Southern travel commences in October and ends in May. After the latter month the periodical rains commence in Florida, and the mid-day heat is relaxing and oppressive. About mid-summer the swamp miasm begins to pervade the low grounds, and spreads around them an invisible poisonous exhalation, into which the traveler ventures at his peril. This increases in violence until September, when it loses its power with the returning cold. When one or two sharp frosts have been felt in New York or Philadelphia, the danger is chiefly past. Nevertheless, for mere considerations of health, November is soon enough to reach the Gulf States. Those who start earlier will do well to linger in some of the many attractive spots on their way through the more Northern States. A congestive chill is a serious matter, and even the lightest attack of fever and ague can destroy the pleasure and annul the benefit of a winter’s tour.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE JOURNEY.
The comfort of a journey is vastly enhanced by a few simple precautions before starting. And if I seem too minute here, it is because I am writing for many to whom the little miseries of traveling are real afflictions.
Before you leave home have your teeth thoroughly set in order by a skilful dentist. If there has been a philosopher who could tranquilly bear a jumping toothache, his name is not on record.
A necessaire containing soap, brushes, and all the etceteras of the toilet is indispensable. It is prudent in many parts of the South to carry your own towels.
Spectacles of plain glass, violet, light green, or light grey, are often a comfort in the sun and in the cars, and if the eyes are weak should not be omitted.
A strong, silk musquito net, with fine meshes, will be highly prized in the autumn nights. A teaspoonful of carbolic acid or camphor, sprinkled in the room, or an ointment of cold cream scented with turpentine, will be found very disagreeable to these insects, and often equally so to the traveler.
One or two air cushions take up but little room, and
