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* towing gforan igjl pp V T DKCEMGKR. 25) AFLOAT AND ASHOllE! OE, A Cruise in the American Mediterranean. Being a Journal of tile Crxilae of the P»»i- saUfug Donble-ender Schooner- 44 Lach McIntosh, One and n Half Tons Bnrthcn, Among the Florida Keys. Capt. Burr Coshy, Commanding. Cedar Keys, Fla., May 11th, 1868. Begins with light winds from southward and westward, and clear, pleasant weather. During the-morning busily engaged setting up the rigging, bending sails, Ac. _At 2 p. m. got under way, stood out of the inlet and beat up the harbor to the dock, where we made fast and went to work Ailing up with water, getting in Rea stores. Ac. At 3-50 cast off, made all sail, and stood down the Bay, the wind having freshened to a goodly breeze. At 4:10 took our departure —course south-east. There was no lack of speed in our little craft, as was speedily evinced by the race-horse style of her leaving Cedar Keys. In two hours said Keys were hull down. We bowled along right merrily for several hours, when, the inner man re quiring fortifying, we hove to, dropped an chor, and our good captain and assistant went to work cooking supper. Oar galley consists of a small furnace, or brazier, whereon one cooking utensil placed at a time, and some speciality looked to. First the kettlo was made to boil, then the coffee was shoved in, and that being made, said kettle was put aside. Then a pot was brought into requisition, into which the captain hove a lot of sweet potatoes, said pot being first half filled with water from along side, which wa3 all the handier from being salt The potatoes did, the frying pan was next made to do duty in frying *me nice fresh fish to an exquisite brown. The pota toes having become dry from the proper pro cess of evaporation, were placed in quite clever sized tin pan, and the pot had to per form additional service in the boiling of eggs. A couple of dozen were boiled quite hard •nongh, and supper being ready for dishing, pans, kettles and plateB were brought forth, the deck-way made our table, and we made a. meal that a land-lubber cam form no idea of My friend B, being somewhat delicately con stituted, ate but eight hard boiled eggs, eight or ten sweet potatoes, about a pound of “hard tack," with a proper portion of mo lasses, some cheese, not a little fish, and drank certainly not less than two quarts of coffee. He seemed, poor fellow, to be wor ried at the extreme delicacy of his appetite, and to have some apprehensions (in which I shared) lest he should be ill. The captain and his assistant, Henry, came manfully to his support, however, and gave him great en couragement by the assiduity of their efforts to clear the deck.- Supper being properly stowed, the captain and I had a good smoke, a few yarns were spun, and all in good time we turned in for the ui-riit. the captain and crew sleeping on deck, we land-lubbers lying below. At an chor off the mouth of Crystal river. Ends with light, variable, dry and pleasant weather) Off the Mouth op Crystal River, 1 Gulp op Mexico, May 12th, 1868. J Begins with light, southerly winds, and pleasant, though somewhat cloudy. At 4 a. m. hove up the anchor and got un der way. At 5 a heavy squall of wind and blinding rain, from southward and eastward, struck us, and we who were snngly ensconced beneath decks were startled by the thumping and scraping of the double-ender’s keel upon a shell bank, which somewhat obtrusively lay in our way. Fortunately, the flood tido" was making fast, and the seas, though they thumped her somewhat, soon drove her with the wind, over into deep water. The impression upon my mind is most positive as to its having rained, and 1 am quite confident that the wind blew hard enough to produce the exclamatory line, “Cease, rude Eoreas, blustering railer,” had that line never been composed before. “The darkest hour of the night ” was thoroughly exemplified, and it was deemed prudent to run under bare poles until the dawn. Got under the lee of one of the Sweet Water Keys, where we cast anchor, and the storm abating, went to cooking breakfast. While lying under the lee of this Key a huge alligator lay near us, with its scaly head above the water watching us, as if apprehen sive of our robbing its nest of its eggs or tender young, disappearing every now and then as though bv no means sure of escaping a ball from B’s rifle. - Having had breakfast, hove up anchor, hoisted jib and mainsail, and beat down against a heavy south-east breeze, which freshening to a gale, we were compelled to make a harbor, and ran in under the lee of Shell' Key. In this trial of our -captain's skill as a sailor, the qualities of our little craft were also tested, and we learned to appre ciate the force of the idea as expressed by the wife of the former owner of the boat, in naming her the “ Wilful Murder." The idea lost nothing of its force from the fact of said former owner having been “ drownded ” a short time before. She is a “ dangerous ” craft, requiring at least a thousand pounds of ballast, and we had not a pound beyond our water, provisions and ourselves. She is fast, however, and has the blessed advantage of running out of danger quickly. Getting under the lee of Shell Key, we threw our anchor upon the beach, and toy as snug as a bug in a rug or any other bug-er. B. and I went ashore and took possession of the Island in the name of Handy Johnson, “ or any other man." At 1 p. m., having thoroughly examined the Key, and being somewhat tired and hungry, we took dinner, which we did not find bad to take, and after, took another tom ashore lest anything of interest should have escaped us. Shell Key is in extent some four acres, and Handy Johnson, or any other man, is quite welcome to the possession of it. It is most aptly name ", for it doth so abound in shells that one can readily imagine it to have been the spot where the original oyster-eaters (before oyster-eating became-a habit,) met to eat their bivalves. The growth is the man grove, cactus, Spanish bayonet, cedar, and a variety of small shrubs, not familiar to mine eye. During these twenty-four hours the wind blows a gale from southward and east ward, with a fast-flying, scud and heavy rain squalls. .1 have been dining down the booby hatch to avoid the wet, until I begin to think of a verity I am a booby for having started on this expedition. At 11:30 a. m., ran across to a Key just op posite to get dry mangrove for fuel. While there the gale freshened and drove us broad side on to the Key, and with difficulty we sucoeeded in hauling off Wind continues the same, with a constant succession of rain squalls. At 9:30 p. m., anchored between two Keys in tolerably smooth water, and turned in that the fleas might have undis turbed possession of our precious carcasses, an opportunity they were not slow to take advantage of. Ends with strong breezes and heavy rain squalls. Usher the Turn ’of Shell Key, ) May 13, 1868. f Begins with strong breezes from southward and westward and light rain squalls. It does seem as though there were a vast stock of wind and rain in that quarter, and that it was found difficult to exspend it. At sunrise hove up the anchor and, ran ashorein a little bight, where we cooke d break-. fast B. and I took a stroll upon the Island, he taking his double rifle, lest perchance, we should find game. . Hot seeing any ele- phimts, hops, tigars, or any such small deer, B. fired into a flock of sand robins, killing two, only one of which we secured, the tide haTOig swept the other away. At 9 a. m. we took cur departure from Shell Key. Beat down under short sail out of the bight in which we had lound shelter, against a heavy head wind, and sounding the point of the outermost of a chain of keys, stood down the coast, not before trying, however, to flnd an inner channel, in which we failed. Hav ing made our point, and being enabled to lay our course, we dashed along under a spanking breeze after a maimer the most ex hilarating. The wind was somewhat strong for a cranky craft, bnt we had a gallant helmsman and a true, and the excitement of feeling onr little boat jump beneath us, beat billiard playing all to pieces. At 12 m. off the mouth of the Ho-ma-sas- see river, which takes its name from the fact of its having been the home of a sassy In gin, who lived on both sides of the river at the same time, and who licked everything in that region, that came in his way. Was known even to have licked his plate. It is said that the sassafras, so dear in childhood's memory as associated with sassafras beer, Ac., took its name from the frequent use by this fierce Ingin, of.cudgels of that wood in the many frays in which he was so often en gaged. Hence the name of sassa, or sassyfras, the latter portion of the word being abbre viated from frays, or from fracas to fras, as after the manner and style of login literu- Aftcr 1 10 p. m. made the mouth of the Chassa-wiskee river. Tradition hath it, that in the early days of this somewhat primitive country, there lived at this point, a famous Indian Chief, the great warrior, and renown ed hunter “Furkerlustichajo,’, whose deeds struck terror to the Jiearts of white men, wo men, and children, besides a number of other animals too numerous to mention. He was great on fur, and was said to make it fly quite far when occasion offered. 'This doughty chief having become much worn and tired with the fatigue and excite ment of the day's chase, reclined one sum mer’s eve under the shade of a lofty palm, and while somnolescing was visited by the fanes, (Ingin faries) their Queen at the head, who fell in love immediately, if not soonwr, with the noble and manly form of the sleep ing warrior, as he lay quiescent upon the green and sandy sod. Being a somewhat im pulsive little female, it was bnt the work of an instant for the queen to blow her whistle (made of the shank of a young fawn) and soon her legions in fair-y away were gathered about the “gracefle” figure of the slumbering chief, and erq, long lie was borne to the Queen’s dominions, who being a widow, and knowing a thing or two, was careful not to have him disturbed until “natures sweet restorer, balmy sleep,” had fully-restored him. Fearing the savage nature of her in tended husband she was careful to place by his side and within easy reach of his dexter hand, a nice whiskey toddy, which he took after the manner of his race, without a word. The story goes that on first awaking, he was like Mrs. Gamp, somwhat “confuged,” but his faculties came to him even as with that amiable lady, immediately upon taking the refreshing draught, Indian like he asked for toddy, “heap,” and having stowed away number of ’em he became as gentle and as amiable as any civilized man. It was then that the widowed queen (who for some time had been in a condition of mit igated grief for the loss of her former hus band) with consummate art, and true widow- ly tact, arrayed in all her beauty, presented herself to the astonished and enraptured vision of the warrior. Who could resist the' influence of so many charms, or fail to feel the effects of so much whiskey ? It was a ease of “ veni, vidi, wet,” the Chief fell desperately in love, right there and spotly, iroposed, was accepted, and married before e well knew where he was. The great beau ty of the Queen, her sweet disposition, and the extent and loveliness of her dominions lulled this savage-into such sweet repose, and utter forgetfulness of his own land and peo ple, that for a time he was happy beyond the lappiest of mortals. Ere long, however, the savage instincts of his race resumed their sway, and this wild denizen of the forest began to tire of this life of ease and luxury, and “lo, the poor In dian I’ began to feel very low, and pine for his native pines. He came - to look with dis- >ust upon the exquisite dishes of fanmining bird’s eyes, hind legs of young frogs, butter flies’ tongues, Ac., Ac., and sighed for bis venison and hominy. Naught but the whis key kept him up at all, and his love for this and his queen, enabled him for a time to bear up manfully against the restraint which his vows as a husband imposed upon him. With the exception of licking the Court all round, now and then, and indulging in the personal comfort of cursing the queen, quite iberally at times, he did very well. At last, however, his longing for his native wilds be came too powerful lor longer disguise, and he told the queen in good plain Ingin, he “be d d if he could stand it any longer, and be must get out o’ that” The qneen was shocked beyond measure at his language, and a little more at its senti ment, and found it difficult to realize that such base ingratitude could find place even in the heart of a savage, for she bad lavished her wealth of love upon him, and an im mense amount of whiskey. Alas, for the qneen ) She little knew of the trickeryness of man, especially of an Tngin man. That night he got on a regular “batter,” and licked the whole Court in a maimer the most barbarous, winding up his little “ bender ” by biting off the head of the Prime Minister, and swallow ing it down whole, without salt, or chewing, an indignity which no court could submit to without fearful punishment being meted out to the offender. s He then “chawed down” qnile a number of the inferior officers, and tore things loose generally. In his rage he swore he would go to Indiana and get a di vorce, and going back to his own country would return with his whole tribe and “ chaw down ” the entire fairy land, queen, fairies and all, if he was not allowed to get out of that at once. The queen notwithstanding her great love for him, could stand it no longer, and he was summoned to appear before the tribunal of justice, to answer for his misdeeds, or rather for the deeds that he didn’t miss. She pitched into him rather heavily at first, and it was thought for a time, that it would go hard with him, but soon her heart relented as she gazed upon him standing there before the throne in his noble manhood, an untamed savage, rendered gentle by bis penitence, and she essayed one more effort to restrain his truant affections, and bind them to her self. Woman-like, she in the tenderness of her affection, made a thousand and one ex cuses for him, snmming up the matter by at tributing His conduct solely to the influence of that spiritual demon whiskey- Having dismissed the Court, she had a private inter view with him, and having talked to him like a father to a dying son, she made him pro mise to drink no more, forever, of whiskey. He promised, she wisely consenting to allow him to taper off, she giving him a small al lowance each day until his system attained a natural condition. Thus matters went for a while, and all was joy and happiness at the Fairy Court. In an evil hour, however, and when the instincts of the savage were strong npon him, fand his heart was busy with the scenes of his youth —when he seemed to see the deer bounding before him, and hear the soughing of the pines, as with majestic tread he walked through his native forests—he was sorely tempted, and alas! like many another, feU. There was, in canseqaenae, another row. Fortunately, the Queen was near at hand, and restrained by her timely presence, he was by no means aB violent as upon former occasions. He evinced great mortification, and apparently suffered much, but frankly told the Quean that he mnst visit his native land, or die. Fearing that he might do something des perate, she agreed to allow him to make pe riodical visits to his own country, he stipula ting that he should be allowed to. take with him a sufficient quantity of whiskey for his own proper use, and for the celebration of his return to his own people. He was the more urgent in this, ns should he again be tempted beyond his strength and get tight, he might become dangerons and chaw down a few mere of the fairies, a thing he did not much like to do, especially as the Queen had showed so much clemency, and from the fact that the. head of the late Prime Minster had not set well on his stomach, and had caused him much serious suffering from indigestion. After many protestations of sincerity and good faith on his port, and of a speedy re turn to his beloved Queen, she signed the re quisition for ten barrels or so of best proof whiskey for his little supply, which the Quartermaster filled at once. The rest of that day, and that night, the warrior behaved most circumspectly, evincing great affection and gratitude towards the Queen, to her great comfort and happiness. In the early mom, ere the grey streaks of dawn were thrown across the night darkened sky, the warrior set forth upon his journey, legions of fairies attending him with sup plies for a fortnight’s “batter.” On arriving at the month of the (now so called) "Chassawiskee,” be determined to locate, and gave the fairies, in his own brusque way, to understand that they must get out o’that. Having chosen two of his best men, he gave orders to his tribe not to come within certain limit** lie h&d marked out for tne camp of himself and his chosen followers, threaten- mg them with the penally of instant death, should they intrude in any way. This done he and the subordinate chiefs began their little “batter,” and for an entire week led a jolly life indeed. Soon however, thejr thirst increasing, they began to commit great ex cesses, and the country round was greatly disturbed by the noise and confusion of their fearful orgies. . , , The Queen who, in the strength of her af fection had never ceased to think of him, could not refrain from keeping a watch over him, and her heart was tom with anxiety, and saddened beyond measure at the evident destruction npon which her loved one was so madly rushing. She hid herself from his sight, and bore her sorrow in silence, biding her time with woman’s patience, watching with only woman’s faithfulness for the oppor tunity of speech, and effort for his good. The opportunity came; for on another summer’s eve, under another lofty palm, lay asleep the being she so much loved, for whom she had so greatly suffered. Patiently did she await hin awaking, and great was his surprise npon opening his eyes to find her at his side, and angry too, for his head felt bad from the ef fects of Mb late “batter.” She tried to soothe him with something of quietude, but his ex cessive drinking had so unnerved him that he could listen to nothing but the suggestions of the demon whiskey, and becoming furi ous, he cussed her in Ingin quite liber ally. She stood it like a brick for some time, but fairy nature has its limits as any other, and rising up in the majesty of her pride, or the pride of her majesty, it is not asserted positively which, she gave him quite a good piece of her mind, winding up by presenting him the opportunity of a choice between the luxuries and pleasures of a regal court, with none to molest or make him afraid, or his native wilds, and detestable and destructive whiskey. The choice was solemnly placed before him, and he delibe rately chose his native wilds and detestable and destructive whiskey. The indignant and sorrowing Queen there upon left him, never more to gaze npon that noble Ingin form, and he went off aud began anew his “ batter.” From bad to worse be rapidly did go, and at such a fearful rate, that there was very soon not a drop of whiskey left The natural consequence ensued, and for days they* were in the midst of a menage rie, with the monkeys climbing all over and about them, and snakes getting into their moccasins. Then came the fearful culmina tion of horrors, and these wretched men imagined in their delirium that rattlesnakes 1800 feet long were chasing them. After run ning around in a circle for some four or five days, with a view- to getting the snakes tied into hard knots, they in vain effort to escape struck off’aFa tangent for the mouth of the river, and plunging in, sunk to rise no more in life. Thus retribution in its most fearful form came upon this false-hearted chief, for no man on earth had a greater aversion to water than he. Thus perished miserably this once famous chief, who had made himself renown ed far and near in to6 chase, and npon the war path. It was this great chief, who caus ed Gen. Scott, upon hearing of his wondrous deeds, to exclaim, “He big Ingin!” The fatal choice of Furkerlustichajo gave rise to the poetical name (as given by his sorrowing tribe) of Chassawiskee, or as rendered in very plain English, choice o’ whiskey. During these twenty-four hours we have squalls of wind and rain which bear down upon us rather heavily, and add not a little to out discomfort. At 2.15 off Bay Port, dis tant some six miles. At 6.30, mouth of An- clotes river to port of us. At 7.20 came to under the lee of one of the Anclotes, a group of some five keys, where we saw several small craft at anchor. {Spongers, no donbt, whose operations were suspended by the heavy weather. Made all snug for the night, had one of B.’s light suppers, smoked and turned in for a full due. Ends with light squalls of wind and rain from S. and W.'and singularly cool weather. but "miss stays’ oaoe and she's a “goner,’ with all on board,lor she would be crushed like an egg shell, and her occupants would have a lively time with the sharks, several mem bers of that persuasion, and of most respecta ble proportions, being at hand to relieve ns of suffering. However, “all’s well that ends well,” and there wonld be nothing of the happy sensation of relief, if we were confined to baby jumpers, smooth walking, or plain sailing all the days of our lives. We rushed down the coast of -Bruff Island and Sand Key with a spanking breeze and at a glorious rate, there being enough sea to make our little craft as lively as a youngster in the dance. At 5 P. M. had made some twenty miles, when we shot through “John’s Pass, ” from the heaving Gulf into a bay as beauti ful and placid as the face of a sleeping infant. It was like enchantment to glide over this smooth surface, with everything as plain to view beneath, as the bright sun above. It was as though one were flying through the air, so utterly intangible did tlie liquid upon which we were gliding, from its perfect trans parency, seem. And then the beauty of the green Isles with which this most exqnisite Bay of Bocca Ciego is studded, covered with mangrove and palm, with here and there a Spanish bayonet in full blossom, standing like white plumed sentries npon guard. On our way to the anchorage espied a flock of pink curlews, (spoonbills,) which greatly ex ercised our minds and hearts for we were ex ceedingly anxions to obtain these birds, so shy and difficult to get. Came to anchor. B. went ashore with his gun for a stroll, hoping to get a shot at deer, while I watched with the glasses the pink curlews, that I might ascertain the direction they took in going to roost, so that we might get a shot at them in the early dawn before leaving their resting place. Watched them until the night hid them from view. I believe they fished all night, for we could hear their peculiar cry until quite late. Had supper, smoked, and swapped yams, and getting sleepy turned in. Between 11 and midnight B. and the Captain undertook some personal wading after the spoonbills, but to none effect During these twenty-four hours we have light variable airs, and most charming weather. Bocca Ciecio, May 1G, 1868. Begins with light sontherly winds and clear pleasant weather. B. went in bright nnd early for additional personal wading after the pink curias. After much of this damp experience, he re turned with never a spoonbill. The day has just begun, however, and as be is a true sportsman, and nntiring, I donbt not he will, as he certainly deserves, meet with success, Oh, the beauty of this bay! Isles of emerald set in eajjphire, dotting its smooth surface, and the air soft and balmy as the breath of angels. And such a sunrise Glorious beyond description. Never was the Giver of light more fully and clearly repre sented. Prayer aud praise came up from the heart involuntarily. How I have wished for the once being so dear, with her thorough appreciation of the. beautiful, to enjoy with me, and enhance the delight of a scene like this. Dropped down to a small key where several of the rosey hued birds were seen to go, and soon the guns of B. and the Captain were heard, three of the spoonbills biting the water. We aio all greatly delighted in con sequence, for these rare birds of rare plnm- inderd, and we will take the something too, for I had in view, and in most pleasurable anticipation, a hearty breakfast. JgHaving given the call “ rouse and till," aud g otten B. up through the booby hatch, he nd I went ashore in search of “ Manavelins.” Met the proprietor' of the landed estate (to which we had taken the liberty of making our boat fast) ploughing up the grass, which seemed to be mnch the finest portion of the crop. Like a second Cincinnatus, or any other man, he came down towards us with his hands to the plough, shouting to the animal ahead of him in a manner that led me to sup pose him crazy. Next to and parallel with him, was a negro boy of some seventeen summers, all of which seemed to have com bined in burning him black, with his hands to the plough and an animal attached. He was a wondrous contrast to the proprietor, his face being a clean black, while the other was of a dirty white. Unlike the former, he came on quietly, and upon looking at the ani mals they were driving, it was impossible to arrive at any other conclusion than that his heart was surcharged with sympathy for them, and bis feelings too big for utterance. There was an indistinct Jikeness in the creatures to a horse, framed, at least, as we suppose a horse to be. They were a study indeed, and could Don Quixote have seen them, he would doubtless have gone into raptures, or first class fits, so utterly did they go beyond any preconceived ideas of poverty of condition in Bosinante. It took the two (the horse frame and the man) to plow a row, and it was pleas ant to see the amiable delusion of the propri etor and his assistant, in that the homes were doing the work, when it was patent that the work was nearly, if not altogether, accom plished by dint of much pushing, loud shout ing, and swearing extraordinaiy on the part of the proprietor. The wife of the latter, his daughter of sweet sixteen, and his son, were busily engaged thinning the corn, which, it struck me, was:quite thin enough, without any thing of extraneous aid. The soil upon this plantation is exceedingly light in color and quality, and is admirably adapted to the producing of thin com; for any otodr, it would be well that a shower of r.un and one of manure fall upon it on alternate days, say or several seasons. We did not learn the name of the gentle manly proprietor, ot his origin, bnt judging from the appearance of his family and him self. it is but natural to suppose them indi genous to the soil. After a little conversa tion with these most excellent and refined people, and ascertaining that there was no “Manveling” to be done, we bade them adieu, and returning to our craft, cast off and poled down over the shoals to onr former landing place where we debated whether we should then cook breakfast, or proceed to a point farther down the river. Concluded upon the latter, and sailed and poled until we came to the mouth of a beautiful silveiy stream that made into the deep and inky wa ters of ther ‘‘Cbr Ealing” river, as the In dians have it. Turned the bows of tfbr little craft np this stream of light, our Captain the while casting his net for the frightened mul let that came darting by in shoals. The wa ter was so transparent that they could easily discern the shadow of the net while spread in the air above them, and it was wonderful to see how quickly they darted off and es caped the meshes tried to be thrown about them. After innumerable casts without avail, age are a prize indent, and we will take the I fhe net . Jell upon one mullet of aldemanic feathers lioihe and have beautiful fans made I proportions, who was altogether too corpu- for our wives and friends, who will appro- I tont for speed. His size, together with the sun Having did iall this, I thought it fall time 'atflWMagiyiltf'obimtry, ana his apologists l left by some fishing party, made a hnca iw that the captain and all bonus should do I say that, however conclusively his rawing a 4 !>•"»»«>> ♦*» Off the Anclotes, May 14, 1868. Begins with light winds from S. S. W., and a mild, clear morning. At 5.30 a. m., hove np the anchor and got under way. Stood down through St Joseph’s Bay to St Joseph's Island, (called by the coasters Hog Island, from the fact that it once abounded in wild hogs,) distant some eight miles. Made the run in about an hour and a half with a light wind. Came to an chor, and while our Captain and boy went to work to cook breakfast, B. and I took our guns and went for the deer and wild hogs. Walked some three miles, and saw very many deer Bigns, but having no dogs, failed to ef fect anything. Saw no tracks of the wild hog and concluded, therefore, that pork had been more popular with the hunters in that region than venison, and that the hogs had been all killed off) While returning by way of the beach, a dog made his appearance, but npon calling him, he ran liken “ seared dog,” aud soon disappeared. This Island is some seven miles in length, and is uninhabited. The dog that we saw must have been left by hunters, having probably strayed away from them, and been lost sight of in the hnrry of departure. The island is very beautiful. Its outer line, of densefgrowth, is mangrove, while inland the palm* cactus and cedar are abundant, with a great variety and profusion of wild flowers of almost every hue. It has a fine growth of pines npon it, with here and there an open savanna. In the centre is a fresh water pond, and we found a fine spring of pure fresh water. Finding it impossible to accomplish any thing without dogs, we retraced our steps, or rather returned to our boat, for we took a different route going back. The beach is a magnificent one, and will admit of a drive of at least ten miles. Having had a hearty breakfast of fine fresh ly caught fish, Ac., we hove up our anchor and made soil for ClearWater Harbor, a light breeze fanning us along. In abont two hours made the Harbor, and went ashore at Nichol son’s, where we filled np with water from a most beautiful spring that gushes out in great volume from the hill side in a clirystal stream. Dropped down the Harbor to Campbell a with a view to laying in a supply of watermelons, bananas, oranges, milk, - chickens, eggs, or anything else in the shape of “manavelins” that came in onr way. Not a manavelin. They, like the.Campbells, were a coming, but had not yet come. Dropped down farther still to Capt Lowe’s, the same object in view. The Captain had a few oranges on his trees, but would not sell them, as he was saving them for his 3on’s family, from whom he very soon expected a visit He very kindly, how ever, presented ns with a number, which he would have increased had we permitted it, and gave us a huge pan of “bonny clabber,” which, with a little “long sweetenin’,” did not go bad. B. and I soon mode the bot tom of that pan so plainly apparent that a man with 'alf an eye could see it Thanking the good folks for their kindness and hospitality we returned on board. Got underway and stood over for “New Pass.” Threw our anchor upon the beach inside the Pass. The Captain took his cast ne't and in a short time caught a fine mess of fish, among which was a fine red fish, while B. and I took a stroll upon the beach of Bruff Key. Had a fine supper, smoked our pipes, and turned in for the night During these twenty-fonr hours we have light winds from South and West, and clear and pleasant weather. Clear Water Harbor, Bruff Key, at mouth of New Pass, May 15, 1868. , Begins with light westerly winds and clear pleasant weather. Boused np early, and while breakfast was being cooked, B- and I took a stroll of a mile or so on the beach, md gathered many beautiful shells. Found on our return to the boat, old Leo (a Portu guese) and his son, they having stopped on their return from a shark catching expedition. Breakfast over, stood across the Harbor for Campbell’s to get milk, but were too late. B. returned, with a kettle ofTjonny clab ber which we all enjoyed hugely, its acid be ing pleasant and cooling in this almost tropi cal clime. At 2:30 got underway, and stood over again for New Ass, which we beat through, and getting round the Northernmost point of Bruff Key into the Swash Channel, stood onr course down the coast, with a fine breeze striking abeam. It was rather a nice opera tion to pass through New Pass, and excited some new feelings, for the Pass is very narrow and it requires quick and live work of eye and hand to get safely through, The breakers came dashing in in Heavy volume, and at such a fearful rate that one can scarcely imagine the possibili ty of escape from them. Let the boat J apprecl : •; them. In an hour or so B. 6^ ,red two more^. of the pink be sutler, and there being no possible hi pe of obtaining any more, we hove Ui« Uie anchor and took our departure, stand-; g down the Bay. Came to at Bird’s Island, uie : ix miles distant, for the purpose of laying in dry mangrove for fire wood. Went ashore, where we found thousands of peli cans, cormorants, inan-o’-war hawks, cranes, aud a variety of other birds, incubating alter a maimer the most extensive. The low and broad spreading mangroves were covered with nests, and we could plainly see the young birds, and could have gathered my riads of them, as well as eggs. We had no idea of robbing these harmless creatures, however, and alter ^ satisfying our curiosity went back to the beach, thus relieving them of their great distress. These pelicans are a very social sort of creatures, building their nests in the same trees, in close proximity. It was funny to see the elders of the tribe, as with long and solemn visage they Bat, like so many old grand-dames, watching the young. They never pretended to move until we came very* near them, and then with a heavy flap ping of their wings they would rise, and at taining a certain height wonld sweep round in circles above their nests, seeming never to take their eyes off their young. They cer tainly are the most stupidly affectionate of created things. It was funny to see the little fellows gaping, as though just awakened out of sleep, while the elders sat near in solemn silence, and with an air so resigned that it was positively comical. Getting away from their immediate neighborhood, they soon re turned to the side of their young, aud 1 con fess to getting up something of sentiment in their behalf, and B. and 1 manifested onr in terest in them aud their families by slaugh tering the rascally, thieving crows that were watching their opportunity to rob them of all they held dear. Having killed, a number of these black ras cals, and obtained a sufficient quantity of firewood, we repaired on board and took our departure, standing dovTn the coast. The wind came out fresh and fair, and our little craft went fluking, notwithstanding the heavy sea. Passed Point Banellas, or Pin'ey Point, through Spiritu Santo Bay, at good speed, and came to off the Stakes, seme four miles from Tampa. Anchored and made all snug for the night, when we had supper, a pipe or two, a yam or so, and turned in for the night. During these twenty-four hours we have fresh breezes from northward and westward, and clear, pleasant weather. Ends with the same. Off Tampa, May 17tli, 1868. Begins with light, northwest winds, and clear, pleasant weather. Got breakfast, and-abont 9 a. in. hove np the anchor, made sail and stood ’in for Tam pa. ;Got up aud made fast to the wharf at 9:30. B. and I took a stroll through the city, called on Capt. W. B. H., met aud was intro duced to Gen. C., an educated and intelligent gentleman, with whom we had a pleasant chat of an hour, when, being introduced to the young ladies, we accompanied them to the Court House,. to join in the services of the Episcopal Church. Listened to a most excellent sermon from the Bev. Mr. H., which, for beauty of language and purity of religious sentiment, 1 have rarely, if ever, heard equaled. The delicacy of his physique, and the gentleness of his voice drew one to him very nearly, and his earnestness, and the purity of his thoughts, seemed inspiratiou direct from Heaven, to which he indeed seemed to have made a close approach. Es corted the ladies home, and after a pleasant conversation returned on board to dinuer. After dinner, cast off from the wharf, made sail, and stood up the Hillsboro river, beat ing against a head wind and tide, heavy squalls striking us now and then, which, though they sent us ahead, did not add mnch to the eomfort of a sitting posture. Ban up the Hillsboro some fifteen miles, when the water shoaling .so ns to prevent further progress, we made fast to the shore, built a huge fire, and the captain and boy went to cooking, while B. and I took a stroll through the piney woods, he taking his trusty rifle, lest game should offer. Saw two cows, fact of the limited success of our efforts, quite satisfied us, and we took to the poles again, pnshing our boat up to the head of the stream, which proved to be an immense spring, somewhat circular in form, and of great depth, covering an area of some hun dred square yards or more. Made fast to a tree whose branches bent over it, nnd the Captain and boy went to cooking breakfast, while B. and I watched the fish and turtle as they swam about in all directions, as plainly visible as though in a glass aquarium before us, weile the agi tation of the clear water as the Captain threw his bucket into the spring gave forth nnder the sun's bright rays prismatic hues of such exquisite beauty, that we might well have been excused in imagining we had struck a rainbow. The fames of Snlpber were so strong at times as to be positively disagreea ble, suggesting too a rather close proximity to “the gentleman in black,” who it is gene rally thought seasons all his cooking with ‘that sort of powder, and delights in its per fume. The bed of this spring and stream is limestone, and fine particles of shell and co ral. Away down in the depths were huge blocks as of lapis lazuli, frosted at their base and for some distance towards the surface, as with silver, while the long blades of green grass shooting upwards, were as so many flexible shafts of pure waving emerald. It was indeed “a woU spring of joy” to us this spring of Florida, and we wondered not that the gallant and romantic Knights of Spain, indulged in the fancy of perrenial youth. Breakfast being in good course of progress, B. nnd I indulged in a bath, which, with the copious draughts of the sulphur water, served to lessen "greatly the pains of my rheumatism. Filled a five gallon keg from the spring, for my own especial use, the rest of the party not seeming to fancy tho bever age of the “ gentleman in black,” who, if we might judge from the boiling up of the wa ters, did an extensive brewing business down below. Having breakfasted npon the aldermanic mullet, and a few dozen eggs, and sweet po tatoes, we cast off the line and hade adieu to this seeming fountain of youth, not before amusing ourselves, however, with the funny idea of sojfiat a thing as a turtle mating him, self at home among such exquisite beauties of God's creation. A fresh breeze springing up we made a rapid run for Tampa, stopping at a spring of very fine water just above the town, and filling np our breakers. At 6 p. m., made /ast to the wharf at Tampa and went oshose. Came back to supper, and af ter, hauled out into the stream. During these twenty-four hours' have light winds and variable, with pleasant weather. At Tampa, May 19th, 1868. Begins with heavy squalls of wind and rain, the latter falling so copiously as to cover our soft bed’s plank below. Bonsed out, and made an awning of the mainsail, aud wrapping ourselves up in our blankets, we let it rain, snoozing the while most comfortably. At sunrise went ashore to purchase stores for our further cruising. Bought a nice’ little skiff as tender to the little craft, thus enablingus to get ashore dry shod over the shoals along the coast, which extend in some places to quite a distance. B. gallantly named the tender the Anna' Maria, after the wife of his guest. She' is a little beauty, and so light that Efie wiH run where the dew falls. 1 Tampa is very beautifully situated, over looking the wide expanse of the Hillsboro and SpirihrSanto Bays. It abounds in orange, banana, lemon and lime trees, j with many beautifnl shrubs and flowers; toerwhite, pink, red and yellow oleander, the Fonciana, be sides many others. Though it cannot be said to be a city that is set upon an m it is upon somewhat elevated ground. The place is high and dry, in more than one TOnse of the word at present, but it is a point that will doubtless become important from its location, and its back country of fine lands, which are fast coming into renewed cultivation. There are some sixteen stores, a number of churches, two Hotels, good wharves, two Inmber mills, an excellent gunsmith, a billiard and bowling saloon, and other evidences of civilization and refinement, and when there is added its heavenly climate, Tampa is certainly a most deairabre place. The city is built after the thousand htad of hogs may go to prove that he was a first rate hog thief, it as certainly establishes the fact that he was no Jew. Had a shark hook and grains made at the blacksmith’s, and gathering np all onr stores, repaired on board. Cast off, mode sail, and stood ont of the harbor with a light breeze and ebb tide. Fanned, along until distant some eight miles, when, a heavy squall coming up, we with all due and polite consideration, doused sail to jib, under which we ran right merrily so long as the fierce wind lasted. At 11 P. M. stood in for the mouth of the Happitonihatchie river, or Bullfrog river, which takes its name from a happy old Indian by the name of Toni, who lived at its month, and who, strange to say, had none of the character or physique of his tribe, bnt resembled in form andfeatnre, an upright Bull Frog of the modem time. - His face and month were the indices of great good nature, a capacity for the enjoyment rather of the good things of life, than the stern and savage S ursuits of his tribe. It is said that his early fe became greatly embittered by the jibes and sneers of his schoolmates, and other fel lows, who took delight in tormenting him with comments upon, and ridicnle of his un fortunate figure. His sensitive nature could not brook these continued insults, and not being of a like disposition with the third Bichard, and having a month formed rather for easy eating rather than the saying of sharp things, he one day, or night, disappeared, and was not seen for many years by any of his tribe. Never wonld have been seen but for the accident of a hunter having stumbled npon him while indulging in the luxury of a I few bivalves. No persuasion could induce this solitary Indian to approach the scene of his early sorrows. Here he lived a hermits, life, never going far from his home at the month of the river, content to die as he had lived, alone, and taking his oysters on the half-shell. It is related of him, that he eat so many fish, that as age advanced npon him, he became quite a scaly old fellow. Came to anchor, and tnmed in for the night. Ends with light variable airs and pleasant. Off the mouth of the ) HAPPETONlHATCmE, r May 20, 1868.) Begins with light winds from Eastward and clear, pleasant weather. At 5 A. M., got underway and stood down the Bay oft Spiritn Santo, bound for Manatee, where they milk sea cows. At 4 P. M.,rounded Manatee Point, and entered the Bay. Came to anchor, and went ashore to call on some old friends of mine. First impressions not overwhelmingly pleasant The harbor is very shallow, some twelve miles in length and from two to three in width. There are some thirty families in aud immediately about Manatee. The soil is light and thin jnst abont the vil lage, but there is mnch rich and valuable hammock land in the vicinity. The church is certainly very fine, and the orange, citron, guava, banana, lemon and lime grow in great profusion and perfection. The poverty of the soil abont the village, while it is no imlication of what really exists in the way"of fine lands, in the neighborhood, is fvery good assurance as to the health of the location. The sugar cane tassels, and results in a large yield. It is said to be so healthy, that they have to shoot a man to. start a grave yard, while the waters so abound in fish, that the dogs, while in pursuit of game run across them dry shod. These facts are gravely asserted by super lative truth tellers. A great error lias been committed in locating tire village—the land being very low, and the harbor extremely shallow at this point, while below and nearer the mouth of the harbor there ore beautiful high bluffs, and deep water. The village will doubtless, be removed to the more eligible point at some future day. Having obtained a lot of sweet potatoes and eggs, we returned on board, had supper, a good smoke, and turned in for a full due. Euds with light southerly airs and pleasant. Harbor of Manatee, ) May 21, 1868. f Begins with light easterly winds and coed, cloudy weather, with the promise of rain as given in the mutterings of the distant thun der. >V Got breakfast and went ashore for a prome- ade through the village. To accomplish it, did not take a century of time, our great difficulty being to keep within its limits. Came npon a cemetery and a church, the latter doing double duty, being occupied as a school- house during the week. Heard the learned man giving out his spelling to a class that stood before him, with now and then a fierce admonition to his other pupils to study their lessons as he caught them gazing at the pass ing strangers. Called upon Mrs. H.. whom I had known as a girl, who received us very kindly and hospitably. Some bananas were brought in, but they proved somewhat dry and tasteless, having been too long plucked, I fancy. They were a very large and hand some fruit, however. Betnrned ou board, hove up the anchor, made all sail, and stood down the bay for a house where dwelt a Teuton lady, as we were informed bj our captain, by the name of Miss Joe. Came to anchor off this place and took our breakers ashore to fill up with water. To our great regret found that Miss Joe was “non est,” she' having sold out and moved away. We obtained very fine water, however, and a lot of onions with which we managed to con tent ourselves. Made sail and stood ont of the harbor for “ Anna Maria ” Key, where we sought refuge from the coming storm, which promised, from the indications, to be a fierce one. Came to anohor in a little bight that prom ised security. B. and I went ashore and found some very pretty shells. Binding the storm to come up rapidly, we returned to the boat, but before we could get through our supper it burst upou us. With the aid of a large buggy umbrella we managed to get through our supper ere the fury of the storm wat well awakened, B. iijd Captain Heavywea- ther, notwithstanding the rain, took the skiff and went striking for fish with the grains. In the meantime, cloud upon cloud came piling np on all sides of us like huge, mountains, and the forked lightning gleamed fiercely in every direction. The thunder bobmed and crashed around and above us, os though our little craft were a mark for the close practice of Heaven’s artillery. It did seem as though we were in the very centre of the stormy area. Thanks to my. buggy umbrella, I am enabled, by bracing it, to keep the rain off despite the strong wind; and with my pipe in mouth, and blanket wrapped around me, I sit and gaze npon thia scene of awful grandeur with a feeling of dire pity for my own littleness. It was a sight worth seeing, though it did not tend to mag nify one’s self in his own esteem. The broad bay was white with foam, and the heavens were blazing with continuous light. It was- as though au immense conflagration going on, and the earth had began to be burned up according to promise. It did really seem for a time as though that pleasant prom ise was about to be fulfilled. The lightning flashing throngh the riven clouds at intervals of a second, appeared to give a slight glimpse of that fiery place of which we read when young, and the memory of which our mineta retain when old. Being alone with my pipe, I enjoyed this grand display of Almighty Power the more that there was no human voice to mar by its sound, the effect of God’s great music. It is good to hear the grand chorns of the elements, even as it is sweet to listen to the lesser notes of nature. If it does not soften the heart quite so much as the siyeet notes of some lovely songsters of the opera or lHe wild wood, it at least brings the heart, down to its proper proportions in the sun came out "bright and clearf* 86 ^’ ^ !e We had breakfast and dinner in one hnv meal of fish, eggs, Ac., and Captain HanS? weather, B. and I took the skiff and coasted the adjacent keys, striking for fish with th« grains. In half an hour or more we struct and got on board ten large sheephead and several fine red fish, beside mullet, and be. coming tired of the sport, ran the skiff ashore npon and struck across “Anna Maria Key" to the outer or southern beach, to witness the dashing in of the surf whose roar filled the air. It was a grand sight indeed, for tho late gale had lashed the Gulf into seemindr ungovernable fury, and the huge rollers came dashing in with fearful force, gathering volume as they approached and burs tine with impotent rage upon the shore, with! noise and weight that seemed to shake the whole island. Their noise was as the roar ing of many lions or the sound of reverbera J ing thunder, and from onr standpoint wag something to look at and admire. It was a pleasant thing to know that we were not out side,bnt had a smooth and sung harbor for our little craft. It wonld be impossible to beach a boat here. She wonld certainly be dashed to pieces, with bnt little hope of rescue for her occupants from the fearful undertow that the abrupt shelving of the beach renders the more powerful. There would be but oue hope for a cool, strong man, if not knocked senseless by the dash against the abrupt beach, and that would be to lie on his back and go in feet foremost, springing up and running as hard as he could so soon as his feet touched. Picked up a number of very beautiful shells, and finding it was becoming late .retraced our steps for camp. Had a hearty sapper, which wo greatly enjoyed after the day’s exercise. At 8 p. m. returned on board to sleep. Failed in this, the mosqnitors being rather lively with their music and feasting. Having sat on deck, pipe in month, and watched the stars until a late hour, became too tired to mind mosquitoes, aud diving down the booby hatch was very soon in tho laud o 4 ' dreams. Ends with strong winds from Northard to Weatard, and clear, pleasant weather. “Anna Maria Key,” May 23,18S3 Begins with strong breezes from North- westard, and clear. We have a beautiful spot for our camp — Near it is a tall and stately palm, of exquisite proportions. Around its trunk a beautiful green vine, fresh, and light, and graceful entwines itself I have called this noble palm after the one I love, because of the beauty of its proportions, and ita fine stately presence, and I find peculiar pleasure in the farther carrying ont the comparison of the palm and the fresh green vine entwining so gracefully about it; in that the latter adds beauty to the noble presence of the former, even as does the grace amiability and true dignity of her I love, add beauty to the virtues and nobility of her character. How strange a coincidence that I should find shelter from the storm under the lee of this Key of the • same name as she who is the key to the door of my heart 1 And yet how natural does it «aem, for to her alone must I go for rest and shelter from the stormy recessitndes of life. So mote it be, ever 1 This Island or Key is some seven miles in length, and from one to two, or perhaps two and a half in breadth. A largo portion of it is barren, doubtless too lately recovered from the sea for much growth of plants or trees. Other portions are of so dense a growth as to be impenetrable without the aid of a hatchet The growth is the palm, Spanish bayonet, ce dar, sea grape, red mangrove, and a variety of ferns, and other plants unknown to the writer. The growth of the mangrove is most peculiar, shooting out lateral branches over the water, then branching down perpendicu larly nearly to the waters surface, when it projects little branches like a tripod or the down spread fingers of the human hand as if seeking to catch : something, aud catch some thing they do, for soon a shell is washed up between them, then another, and another, until a little bank is formed, into which the£e finger-like projections are thrust, when they take root,- shoot ont their lateral branches, and thus in regular progression form a sturdy growth of trees, adding daily and hourly to the increase of the Island or Key. The fish feed in great numbers among these tiny col umns of red mangrove, and afford rare sport with the grains, as the water is perfectly transparent, and a quick eye and steady hand is all that is needful to the gathering a large supply whenever wished for. the captain and myself made another visit to the sonth beach. Took onr course, this time, to the lower or southernmost point of the beach, and gathered many beautiful shells. The beach is firm and smooth, and wonld make a lovely drive of some ten miles. Being anxious to make Egmont Island to-day we returned on board, hove up anchor, anil making sail, stood out into the Gulf. Took onr departure at 2 p. m., and beat np against a strong head wind for Egmont light. Beal; ized fully the propriety of having a proper amount of ballast in a boat of such build as ours, aud came to the sage conclusion that it would have been far better to have realized on said ballast before we started on our cruise. Finding that my time-was limited, jny friend B., with considerate kindness, gave np tHe idea of visiting Egmont, so we pushed on through Spiritu Santo Bay for Spoonbill Island, where we had bagged the curlews. Ban ont of Spiritu Santo Bay in among a lot of small Keys, where the tide having lalleu too low for.farther progress, and the twilight having deepened into darkness,- we came to anchor and went in for a little prog. Supper over, and the tide making well, we beat up for Spoonbill Island. Came too off this Island at 4 a. m. r having had a night of hard work beating throngh the narrow channel. Ends, with wind from northward and westward and charming weather. Off Spoonbill Island, i May 24. 1868. j Begins with light, variable airs aud clear, pleasant weather.. Abont daylight, B. the captain went ashore in tha tuff to spoonbills. B. succeeded in getting splendid specimen. Breakfast over~B. I went ashore npon Cabbage Island, just posite, to look after deer, but, though were many signs, we did not stumble any, and as we had no dogs it was rather hill work, though the Island is a dead I Towards evening beat up for “Bocca Pass,” between Cabbage Island and Key. . Threuf our anchor upon the be the latter, and went to gathering sb Found many that were very beautiful, supper, handed in our anchoifand made for the main in searcL of water. Cam anchor off the shore of the mainland 10.30 p. m., and turned in for a full 4 which we greatly needed, being worked entire night previous, and no sleep during day. Saw a deer on point of Cabbage Isl at sunset, that, from his antics, seemed ti enjoying himself hugely. I fancied thai was making game of us, he being ont of Ends with wind from northward and wi ward, and pleasant. IJVS j >re in a com field that made down to the water’s edge, and turned in for the night. Found the mosquitoes of a very lively turn of I mind. Ends with light, variable airs, and pleasant. which we didn't shoot, not deeming them fair manner of Philadelphia, at right angles, and ai Sbt of God, even while it fills it with awe game, though they looked wild enpugh in all like Philadelphia (as it was but a short time admiration of, the glory of His power, conscience. Had supper, and when the tide since) there are no street cars running on the The wln d became too strong at last for even rose sufficiently poled over the shoals, and Sabbath.- Indeed,- in this matter of munici- a braced buggy umbrella, and the rain too proceeded further up the river, till getting to P»1 piety Tampa goes ahead of Philadelphia, heavy and wet for a rheumatic, $o I inconti- the rapids we were compelled to give np all for they do not even run cars during the uently slid down the booby hatch for shelter, idea of farther progress. Threw our anchor | 'week. It is impossible to give an idea of its | Th 0 night proved most unpleasant, the wind exqnisite climate. Like the purer sentiments of the soul, it mnst be felt, and no expression can give an adequate idea of it The water is most excellent Steamers from Mobile and New Orleans touch at this place semi monthly. The prevalence of refreshing winds, the sea and the land breezes, so tempers the heat of this region that the summers are de lightful. There is an utter absence of fogs, and there is a brilliancy of atmosphere rarely seen in any clime. The population of thin promising little town is-about one thousand, which is gradually increasing, as the sur vivors of the late war give evidence of the ffact that “there is no place like home" by re turning to their native place. Quite a num ber of houses and stores are going up, thus evidencing the improvement of the city. We have not been able to ran over ’to old Tampa, in consequence of the shortness of time with us. It is at this latter point that a Spanish fighting man by the name of De Soto is said to have camped, in the early days of 1535, having with him some twelve hun dred other fighting men and a thousand head of hogs, He slatted around^quits considor- Off Somebody’s Plantation, ) Hillsboro Btver, May I8th, 1868. J Begins with light, variable airs, and weather the most charming. At daylight this individual crawled up . through the booby hatch to breathe the pure, soft air; and listen to the morning songs of the cardinal and the mocking bird. All hands save myself were wrapt in slumber, and all was quiet if we except the joyous birds, the tinkling of a cow bell in the dis tance, and the far off cry of the herdsman. It was charming indeed, to sit quietly there drinking in these sweet sounds, breathing the pure air, its currents now and again ladened with the perfume of sweet flowers, and watch the morning light deepen into a golden color, as the son in glowing majesty rose above the free t ops aqd filnmined all things abont. The blowing heavily with rain squalls at intervals. At II p. m-,. tripped our anchor, it having fouled and. drifted in shore, when we were roused out by the thumping of our craft upon the sandy bottom. It blew great guns and rained as though all the angels of heaven were indulging in a crying spell o’er the wickedness of toe ereatqre man. Soon got our anchor in and clear, and got into deeper water and a- more snug harbor, .where we came to and made ourselves as comfortable as a second edition of Captain Noah's little shower would admit of. Added to toe rain, came hail, which pattered upon our decks like unto the cracking df many rifles. Continues with heavy squalls of wind and rain. All hands wet, and somewhat grumpy. Ends with the some style of weather and grampiness of condition. “Anna Marta Key," May 22,1868. Begins with heavy squalls of wind and rain from Southward and Westward. Went ashore, and gathering a lot of dead mangrove, and finding a lot of Ughtwood that had been Off the Mainland, Bocca Ciego Bay, May 25, 18 Begins with wind from North and and a little hazy. At 8, a. m.. got toe skiff alongside, breakers and demijohns, and went ashoij fill up with water. Found a most excell.—■ spring of the cool liquid. Washed up, j felt like a bird with his plumage all in tfhSgK The plantation npon which we found spring is cultivated by a “Daygo,” who, a consideration, let ns have a few cabhas-; > and green corn. The cabbages proved get 1 * but the corn was better adapted for ha *^ v fhftn n>ffp. | ^ Hove up anchor, made sail and stood for Sand Key. npon toe beach of whicl Captain built a roaring fire and went tot ing breakfast, while B- *nd I strolled" _ on toe beach and picked up shells,' sponges, Ac. Tha wind continues strong ahead, and as toe tide Is. also against us we conclude to remain inside the Pass, preferring its quiet- ^ ude to the rough and tumbling life outside. Had dinner, and took another stroll upon the beach, gathering shells. , Oh, toe delight of culling these many huea flowers of toe sea! No. eartnly garden ever afforded a greater variety of lovely tints toa“ con old Neptune’s partere boast of. How pure a pleasure to gather up these eiquisiM little beauties that are created away d°^n " toe depths where the arm of toe Almighty alone can reach, or His all-seeing eye may look! There is something so fresh, so new, so utterly novel and unexpected in the bean ty of a shell—there is snob variety of tint, all o which are beautiful, that one is never satis fied however fast he may gather them. D beauty but creates toe desire for anotoer, an toe seeker will travel miles upon miles wtX“' out the slightest sense of fatigue, andhatm^ even at the last, to give np the pursuit, in