SINCE my last communication was mailed, I have received a
letter from E. J. Harris, Esq., of Ocala, in answer to one
of mine; and I shall copy portions of it for the benefit of
intending tourists:

"Yours of the 4th was received the other day, relative to
the route and conveyances to Homosassa. Alfred Davis, a
well-to-do colored man, who keeps horses and vehicles to
hire, agreed with me at the following prices: For carrying
one person and his baggage from Ocala to Homosassa, $10.
For two persons, at the same time, $12; or $6 each. For
three persons or more, at the same time, $5 each. His
vehicles consist of one hack with cover, and one one-horse
buggy. He says that he will have another two-horse hack
soon. Davis will pay the ferriage over the Withlacoochee
river, and all expenses of driver and team.

"The distance is somewhere about forty-six miles; that is
to the landing on Mr. Yulee's old plantation. The road, for
Florida, is neither good nor bad, but what you would call
middling; a part of it over sand-hills. But by taking an
early start, the trip may be made in a day, which Davis
proposes to do, I think the price reasonable enough,
considering the distance. There will be other horses and
vehicles to hire. I also will keep, the coming season,
horses and hacks chiefly to run between this (Ocala) and
Silver Spring, and convey persons free of cost, that may
want to stop at my house. I have a house at Silver Spring,
and will have it fitted up in good style by January, to run
in connection with my hotel in Ocala."

In addition to the remarks of Mr. Harris, I may state that
the old plantation on the Homosassa river to which he
refers is distant from Jones' residence about two miles. I
will communicate with J., and he will make arrangements for
the transportation of guests on their arrival at the end of
the hack journey.

I cannot refrain from expressing an opinion with regard to
Ocala, as a winter resort for invalids. The land is high,
and the air is pure and dry. Last fall I advised two ladies
to winter there-one was suffering from tuberculosis of the
left lung; and the other from neuralgia and general
debility. In both cases, relief was obtained. Mr. Harris as
well as his better half, are kindness itself. The hotel is
large, but old-fashioned; and, if he is justified, Mr.
Harris will refurnish it. The accommodations are fair; and
the table very good for an inland locality. The terms of
board are about $25 per month. Ocala boasts of a telegraph
station, and a mail four times weekly. The population
numbers about four hundred. The great objection to the
place, is the existence of fleas; and we would recommend
intending visitors to supply themselves with quantum suff.
of insect powder. The other day, I was favored with a visit
from one of the city fathers of Ocala; and advised him to
secure the passage of an ordinance by the council, removing
hogs from the city limits; as these animals are to a great
extent the cause of fleas. He assured me that he would use
his efforts to accomplish the desired end. As a winter
residence for the consumptive, we have no hesitation in
recommending Ocala. For the sportsman it possesses no
attractions.

As a resort for sportsmen, the fine country around
Tallahassee has been overlooked. Before the war, a large
area was under cultivation in cotton, and, as a
consequence, old fields surround the city in every
direction, and these literally swarm with quail. In fact, I
question if they can be found as plentiful in any other
section of the United States. East of Tallahassee is Lake
Lafayette, six miles in length; and four miles north of the
city Lake Jackson, seventeen miles long. During the winter
months these lake swarm with duck and brant, and the
gunnist may enjoy himself until surfeited. To the angler
Lake Jackson presents many attractions, as it is well
stocked with some of the largest bass and bream to be found
in the State. In order that I might supply the reader with
valuable information, I addressed my friend F. B. Papy,
Esq., of the J. P. & M. R. R., and in reply received
the following:

"TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA, Sept. 16, 1875.

"DEAR SIR: Your favor of the 7th, to Mr. F. B. Papy, to
hand; he is now absent north, but I hope the information I
may give will serve you.

"Q. At what season does brant and duck shooting exist in
perfection? A. From middle of November to middle of March.

"Q. Have you any woodcock in your section during the
winter? A. Very few.

"Q. Can comfortable board be obtained at Lake Jackson? A.
Country board.

"Q. Can comfortable board be obtained where quail are
plentiful; and terms? A. Yes; terms, $8 to $10 per week.

"Q. What are the terms for board in your city? A. Hotel,
$3.50 per diem; private board, $8 to $12.50 per week.

"Q. Can boats be obtained at Lake Jackson? A. Yes.
"Arrangements are in progress as regards excursion tickets
to Tallahassee. Will be happy to give any information in my
power, as well as any of the citizens of the vicinity.
Favorable excursion rates will be effected between
Jacksonville and Middle Florida during the season, which
will be announced in due time. "Very truly yours, "WM. E.
AMES, " For F. B. PAPY."

Tallahassee is easily reached from Jacksonville, and is
well worth visiting by the sportsman. Upon arrival at
depot, if Mr. Papy is interviewed he will furnish all
necessary information. He is a capital shot, an ardent
sportsman, and his statements can be relied upon.
Tallahassee is rather an uncomfortable locality for carpet-
baggers and scallawags, but the gentlemanly sportsman will
meet with a true southern welcome from all; and will be
treated with the utmost kindness and courtesy. I am a
Northern man, and speak from experience. Southerners have
been misrepresented by bigoted and narrow-minded
Northerners who have visited the State, and false
impressions have been produced. A few prejudiced persons
have visited the South, and have taken advantage of every
opportunity to ventilate their crotchety and angular
points. They have received the cold shoulder, and in their
correspondence have resorted to misrepresentations. I have
wandered around the world, and in the United States from
the head of Lake Superior to the Gulf of Mexico; and during
my many wanderings in various portions of Florida, I have
invariably been treated with kindness, courtesy, and
hospitality-in fact, I have never met with the same kind
and courteous treatment anywhere else. To the sportsman
unacquainted with Florida I will simply say, be courteous
and reasonable, and a true southern welcome, and the most
unbounded hospitality, will be extended everywhere and by
all.

"AL FRESCO."