Yes; far superior.
17th. “What is the price of land in your section?”
That depends upon quality and location. Here, in the settlement of Braidentown, land is selling at from $25 to $100 per acre. A short distance back of the town, pine land can be purchased at from $1.50 to $5 per acre; and hammock land at $10 per acre. Across the bay, nearly opposite Manatee, on the Patten plantation, good hammock land, once under cultivation, can be purchased at from $15 to $25 per acre, according to location. This land is being rapidly metamorphosed into vegetable gardens, whose products—tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peas, etc.—reach the Northern markets during the month of March.
18th. “What are the business prospects for a new-comer?”
That will depend a great deal on the “new-comer.” Come, investigate and judge for yourself.
19. “Can sugar-cane be grown to advantage in your neighborhood? and what amount of sugar can be made to the acre?”
The Manatee region is the natural home of the sugar-cane. Here it tassels, and consequently fully matures. Florida is the only State of the Union in which the cane tassels. When the Cofield and Davis, now Patten plantation, was in full operation, the average product was two hogsheads of sugar to the acre. The cane here ratoons from six to eight years.
20th. “What is the cost of clearing land?”
That depends on the quality of the land. The average pine land can be cleared and grubbed at from $10 to $20 per acre. Hammock land will cost double that price.
21st. “Can lumber be had on the Manatee, and if so, at what price?”