"A Winter Climate for Invalids"

Transcript

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The very small rainfall at Punta Rassa during the five
cold months, given in inches and hundredths, from the
statistics of the Signal Service, is as follows:
[rainfall chart]
The mean of the maximum and minimum temperatures
of the water of the ocean bottom, at Punta Rassa, for the
five cold months during five years, from 1878 to 1883, is
here shown:
[ocean temperature chart]
Such temperatures render sea bathing agreeable through-
out the winter and early spring months.
For an attractive out-door life in the winter for invalids
I know of no region equaling the Gulf Coast of Florida,
with its great bays and harbors for sailing, its wonderful
fishing and excellent deer hunting, and for the great abundance
of feathered game in the forest and on the waters. There
is perpetual inducement to spend time in the open air. The
sun does not parch, the winds do not chill, and the atmos-
phere has that indefinable poetic quality called "dreamy."
I have felt comfortable in the bracing air when very lightly
dressed, and not oppressed when heavily clothed. Sea-
bathing is agreeable on the shelly or white sandy beaches
all through the winter. And I have found the water warmer
on the western than on the eastern coast of the peninsula.
The reason that the Gulf Coast has not been more
popularly known as the sanitary resort is the want of con-
venient access and of accommodations for sojourners, but a

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Happy change is at hand. Coasting steamers now run into
All of the more important harbors, as those of Anclote,
Tampa, Charlotte, and San Carlos; and railroads are rapidly
being constructed to reach the towns all along the coast.
The want of convenient residences for invalids is now quite
Overcome, and comfortable accommodations can be had in
every village. The hospitality of the people renders the
stay genial and social, and it is a common remark, which I
have happily verified, that in Florida wherever you see a
house you can find a home, for every home seems open to
welcome the stranger.
At a most attractive and salubrious location on the
high peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast, on
the shore of Lake Butler, a beautiful site for villas is being
developed, and a large hotel will be ready this winter for
the accommodation of health- or pleasure- seeking visitors.
This locality can be readily reached by the coasting steamers
from Cedar Keys to the Anclote River, about seventy-five
miles. A railroad tending in that direction, by way of
Waldo, Ocala and Brookville has now reached within a
short stage ride of the coast near Lake Butler. The land
here is much elevated, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico,
Lake Butler and the great Tarpon Spring. The elevation
of this region, which is the highest on the coast, and its
extensive water surrounding, render it most favorable for a
winter resort, and indeed, for residence during t he entire
year. A number of persons from the North are about
erecting cottages on the shores of Lake Butler, so that
abundant accommodations will soon be ready for winter
visitors to this favorable locality.
To all who would escape from the severity and dangers
of our Northern winters and seek a mild, equable and com-
paratively dry climate, free from malarial influences, and
where life in the open air is always practicable and agree-
able, I commend a journey to the Gulf Coast of Florida.

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