THE


GULF-COAST


AND


KEY WEST.


and broad, bright green lawns. On we
graceful lighthouse and picturesque hor
keeper, out into the warm blue waters of
a lovely, warm evening. After partaki
supper, all assembled on the after-deck
ment of cigars, listening to anecdotes,
pure, balmy breeze, observing the clear
stars, and bright full moon that lighter
like a vast sheet of glittering silver. I


scene of great beauty, deep
membered by all the partici
hour.
 Early the following mor
the invigorating breeze an<
porpoises, and occasional sh
the waters in every direction
 To our left, quite plainly
ida, the islands of very tropi


sped, passing the
e of the old light-
the Gulf. It was
ig of an excellent
in the deep enjoy-
and inhaling the
sky, the brilliant
I the calm waters
t was a charming


oyed and long to be re-
none retiring until a late


on deck, sniffing
e many dolphins,
plunged through


the coast of Flor-
forming exceed-


ning all were
d watching th
larks, as they
.
in sight, was
cal appearance


ingly pretty pictures as the bright sun rose behind them.
The coast is for the most part low and sandy, edged by
shoals and bars, and .broken here and there by beautiful
bays and indentations. All the larger inlets are filled with
islands, most of which are sandy and arid, though some are
covered with a tropical luxuriance of vegetation.
 All along the coast at convenient points are little farm-
ing or lumbering settlements; the principal being Crystal
River, Hamosassa, Bayport, Anclote River, Clear-Water
Harbor, Law's Store, McMullen's Store, Philippi's Grove,
Point Penales, Alafia, Terrasea Bay, Little Manatee, Mana-
tee, Sarasota, Charlotte Harbor, and Punta Rassa. Mana-
tee, which is something of a village, is not directly on the
coast, but about eight miles up the Manatee River, in a
pleasant situation, where game is abundant.
 Charlotte Harbor, however, possesses greater natural ad-
vantages than any other on the Gulf coast, and has been