The train only stops here once in the twenty-four hours; the rest of the time the cottage and its inhabitants are left to enjoy their sweet seclusion. Of course this kind of thing is an exception, though at several stations we enjoyed excellent meals well worth the tourist’s while to remember. As the happiness of a human being largely depends on the state of his stomach, if that portion of machinery is judiciously treated it helps to keep the rest in order, and is an aid to general good spirits.
At one place--Smithville in Georgia--a capital home-made wine, “Scuppernong,” was supplied liberally and without extra charge. The cost of a meal was sometimes fifty cents, but more usually seventy-five cents. Occasionally the steak may be tough, the “rooster” have outgrown his early youth, but with plenty of fresh eggs and bacon, vegetables, salad, and bread and butter, the hungry may be well satisfied.
I have perhaps dwelt on this subject more than it was necessary I should have done; but so many misapprehensions exist, so many false reports (no doubt ignorantly) circulated concerning Southern travel, that I have thought it well to give my slight experience on the subject, and I am sure my testimony will be supported by all who have followed or may follow in my footsteps. Of course, in the great army of tourists there is always a contingent of native-born grumblers who are never satisfied, and wander through the sullen groves of discontent and fret the very air with their endless complaining; and even when they enter the gates of heaven they will complain, like the dissatisfied cherub, that “their halo doesn’t fit.”
_En route_ for Jacksonville.--A few words about Florida.--Its climate.--Its folk.--Its productions.
When the associated Southern railways cease to exist the Florida Transit takes up the matter, and conveys you with equal comfort to some of the most attractive points of the state.
We are soon _en route_ for Florida, which is the kind of Mecca of our hearts’ desires. Florida! The very name is suggestive of sunshine and flowers, orange groves, and the sweet-scented air of “Araby the blest.” I have but little time and little space to devote to this varied and beautiful land, and fear that my brief sketch will convey but a faint idea of the country; though it may perhaps serve to waken the interest and induce some few to follow in my footsteps, or rather to make a visit of inspection on their own account and see and judge for themselves. If they go from mere curiosity only they will find plenty to gratify it, and if with any idea of settling there the field is so wide, the attractions so varied, they will find no difficulty in settling according to their hearts’ desires; whatever they seek in the way of climate or of soil they will surely find there if they give themselves time and trouble to seek it out.