As a loading could not be procured until late in the autumn, for the
schooner that was to return to Georgia, this circumstance allowed me
time and opportunity to continue my excursions in this land of flowers,
as well as at the same time to augment my collections of seeds, growing
roots, &c.
I resolved upon another little voyage up the river; and after resting a
few days and refitting my bark, I got on board the necessary stores,
and furnishing myself with boxes to plant roots in, with my fusee,
ammunition and fishing tackle, I set sail, and in the evening arrived
at Mount Royal. Next morning, being moderately calm and serene, I set
sail with a gentle leading breeze, which delightfully wafted me across
the lake to the west coast, landing on an airy, sandy beach, a
pleasant, cool situation, where I passed the night, but not without
frequent attacks from the musquitoes; and next day visited the Great
Springs, where I remained until the succeeding day, increasing my
collections of specimens, seeds and roots; and then recrossed the lake
to the eastern shore. This shore is generally bolder and more rocky
than the western, it being exposed to the lash of the surf, occasioned
by the W. and N.W. winds, which are brisk and constant from nine or ten
o’clock in the morning till towards midnight, almost the year round;
though the S. winds are considerable in the spring, and by short
intervals during the summer and winter; and the N.E. though sometimes
very violent in the spring and autumn, does not continue long. The day
was employed in coasting slowly, and making collections. In the evening
I made a harbour under cover of a long point of flat rocks, which
defended the mole from the surf. Having safely moored my bark, and
chosen my camping ground just by, during the fine evening I
reconnoitred the adjacent groves and lawns. Here is a deserted
plantation, the property of Dr. Stork, where he once resided. I
observed many lovely shrubs and plants in the old fields and Orange
groves, particularly several species of Convolvulus and Ipomea, the
former having very large, white, sweet scented flowers: they are great
ramblers, climbing and strolling on the shrubs and hedges. Next morning
I re-embarked, and continued traversing the bold coast north-eastward,
and searching the shores at all convenient landings, where I was amply
rewarded for my assiduity in the society of beauties in the blooming
realms of Florida. Came to again, at an old deserted plantation, the
property of a British gentleman, but some years since vacated. A very
spacious frame building was settling to the ground and mouldering to
earth. Here are very extensive old fields, where were growing the
West-Indian or perennial Cotton and Indigo, which had been cultivated
here, and some scattered remains of the ancient orange groves, which
had been left standing at the clearing of the plantation.
I have often been affected with extreme regret, at beholding the
destruction and devastation which has been committed, or indiscreetly
exercised on those extensive, fruitful Orange groves, on the banks of
St. Juan, by the new planters under the British government, some
hundred acres of which, at a single plantation, have been entirely
destroyed, to make room for the Indigo, Cotton, Corn, Batatas, &c. or,
as they say, to extirpate the musquitoes, alledging that groves near
their dwellings are haunts and shelters for those persecuting insects.
Some plantations have not a single tree standing; and where any have
been left, it is only a small coppice or clump, nakedly exposed and
destitute; perhaps fifty or an hundred trees standing near the
dwelling-house, having no lofty cool grove of expensive Live Oaks,
Laurel Magnolias, and Palms, to shade and protect them, exhibiting a
mournful, sallow countenance; their native perfectly formed and glossy
green foliage as if violated, defaced, and torn to pieces by the bleak
winds, scorched by the burning sun-beams in summer, and chilled by the
winter frosts.
In the evening I took up my quarters in the beautiful isle in sight of
Mount Royal. Next day, after collecting what was new and worthy of
particular notice, I set sail again, and called by the way at Mount
Royal. In the evening arrived safe at the stores, bringing along with
me valuable collections.