During the rainy season, thunder showers, accompanied by lightning, frequently occur, but they are not more severe than in the Northern and Western States.
2d. “Are venomous reptiles numerous?”
During my residence and travels in Florida, I have never seen a rattlesnake; I have seen a few moccasin, garter, coachwhip and blacksnakes. The two latter are harmless, and are seldom killed by the natives. Alligators are not numerous in this vicinity, and are comparatively harmless. Scorpions and centipedes are seldom met with. Their sting is no more severe than that of a bee.
3d. “Is the land about Braidentown sandy or clayey?”
The land on the margin of the bay is sandy; further back in the hammock, the soil is dark gray and chocolate color, underlaid with clay and limestone.
4th. “Are the people mostly Northern?”
Like an Englishman’s favorite beverage, they are ’alf-and-’alf.
5th. “What is the name of your nearest town of any importance?”
Have no towns of “importance” in this section of the country; they are in the womb of time—not hatched yet.
6th. “What is the character of your society?”