CHAPTER


 THE OCKLAWAHIA RIVER, SILVER SPRING, AND OCALA.

 THE head-waters of the Ocklawaha are formed by a
series of springs rising to the surface in the central sections
of Orange and Sumter Counties, and by tributary streams
from the several large lakes of that region, including Lakes
Eustis, Harris, Griffin, and Dora. Some of these springs
are remarkable for their size, purity, clearness, and mineral
qualities, particularly Clay Spring, near Apopka. The river
flows through portions of four counties, with a course al-
most due north until it touches the northern boundary of
Marion County, when it turns due east, and empties into


the St. John's at Welaka, twenty-five mile
ka. Its total length is about three hundred
and it is navigable throughout by the little
also traverse many of its tributaries to their
thus penetrating to all portions of that ric
lying in the center of the peninsula. The
well-known "Hart Line" are a species of
the Ocklawaha, and for many years they a
means of access and transportation for all
Railroads are now penetrating it, and in


s south of Pilat-
and forty miles,
steamers, which
r fountain-heads,
:h interior region
steamers of the
craft peculiar to
afforded the only
that vast region.
a few years the


whistle of the locomotive will be heard in every hamlet.*)
 The St. John's and Lake Eustis Railroad, running southwest from
Astor on the St. John's River to Fort Mason on Lake Eustis, a distance of
twenty-six miles, is now in successful operation. Preparations are making
to extend it to Pendryvillc on Lake Eustis (two miles) and to Leesburg on