10 LETfERS FROM FlORIDA.
prevailed until a recent period have made Florida rich
in wild and fanciful lore; and ere long, under wise
and more permanent government, this now sparsely
settled region will become populous. Then .towns
and villages lovely as any New England can boast-
and where can.you find any more lovely?-will look
out from these graceful palms and palmettoes, or find
grateful shade under the lofty magnolia and gigantic
live oak, gray with moss, that stand like giant sen-
tinels all along the shores of the grand and beautiful
St. John's.
 Amid such surroundings some one will rise up
whose fertile* imagination can combine and skillfully
weave together the many romantic incidents to be
found imong the curious legends of Florida. But,
that is a work upon which I may not venture. Truth
unvarnished is, however, full of elements possessing
more abiding attractions than the most brilliant story;
and to that I shall most strictly adhere.
 Finding it necessary to spend the spring months
of the last few years in Florida, the impressions, made
by these visits have greatly strengthened and become
more of a fixed belief with each year's experience
This seems to me strong evidence that these impres-
sions are worthy of credence, and may have more sub-
stantial value than should be conceded to simple nov-
elty or a passing fancy.
 There are not many ladies so situated that they
are obliged to witness or understand so much of the
sufferings and deprivations among the poor as is daily
brought to our door; and the utter impossibility of