S Extensive reconnoissances were made along th as
 and in the interior during the years 1841 and 18 at which
 time the southeastern and southwestern sres, the Ever-
 glades, the Big Cypress, Lake Okeech e, and the adjacent
 regions, were traversed in vario u directions by the officers
 of the army and navy, and ch accomplished towards the
 topographical develop t of the State."
 "Many si r explorations have recently been made un-
 der thed* action of Colonels Monroe and Brown of the Sec-
 rtillery, by the officers of their commands. *
 In the year 1855, Captain Dawson. First Artillery, made two
 explorations into the Everglades. The jrst was undertaken
 during the month of March, which i2Ir dryest of the year,
 June and OctQber being ordinarily the rainy months. *
 The water wY-firsiv"ry shallow, but in five miles increased
 ,, in depth to 2o inch.. I
A,1 &.A4V/ LThe general direction was west, though the route was
 extremely winding and circuitous. At the end of
 18 miles it was found the usual course to the western side
 was impracticable long mud banks were encounter i
 which the men sanki to their middles The course
 through the intervening ponds was greatly obstructed by
 clumps of trees and ushes and innumerable keys could be
 seen in all directions n fourth day all the dithculti
 increased; breaks ocu Tring two or three hundred yards in j
 length, grown up with old saw grass and without water.! t~b,
 the end of the(fdurthday the command had reached a poinr-
 43 miles b'Yrail and 27Y miles in a direct line, from 'Adams
 Landingl'ohedall progress was barred by a sea of tall saw
 grass, extending as far as the eye could reach occasional
 small keys wr being seen, but no water. /
 "A second exploration by Capt. Dawson was undertaken
 during the month of June, at which time t" ftW'r was more
 than a foot deeper than before. After sixiays of difficult
 and labor*us exertion he succeeded in obtaining a point a
 few mileAilbt of Prolt Landing, where further advance was


'A


--- -_ -W Wr -LI.W-


- *


 'j
 '
r
i,