p. 17 | Florida Land by R. W. Parmele

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 17, 1910

Florida Land

By R. W. Parmele

THE above heading will catch the eye of many of our brethren throughout the North who have become interested in Florida land by the literature sent out by many land speculators. I have asked for this space in the REVIEW to reply to numerous letters that are coming to me, asking about these lands. These letters do not relate to the same tracts of land, but they all ask about the same questions. Hence this general reply.

Much that is contained in the literature sent me by these inquirers is true to facts, and there is a good deal more that is misleading. In the first place I wish to say that it is exceedingly unwise for any one to buy a piece of land without seeing it. This is especially true of Florida lands. We frequently hear it said that the climate of Florida is worth two hundred dollars an acre, but the land is scarcely worth anything. This may be an extravagant statement, but it is not very far from the truth.

Some Florida land is good, but right beside that strip is, perhaps, a strip that is practically valueless. But very little land in Florida would be considered good in the Northwest. Healthwise, and for pleasantness of climate, I consider that Florida stands without a peer in the United States; but for agricultural pursuits it is often very disappointing.

Truck growing and fruit culture is carried on quite largely all over the State, and the returns are sometimes very large. The trucking season is from September to July. But little is done during July and August. Strawberries set out the latter part of September will begin bearing well in January and continue until June, if they are not frozen down. The crops are so unseasonable that they bring large returns in the Northern markets. Markets are good as a rule. One has but little trouble in disposing of all the truck that can be grown; but sometimes the orange crop moves slowly.

Nearly all kinds of vegetables can be grown profitably. But one must fertilize heavily to obtain results. The cost of fertilizer is almost equal to the price of the land; and this must be done every year. The drawbacks are principally lack of moisture and freezing. To provide for proper fertilization and for irrigation requires considerable outlay. Then unless one is prepared for it, the labors of many weeks may be lost in one night by a freeze. But should this not occur, the returns are sometimes enormous. Should a freeze come, and catch the crop, the trucker begins the next day to plant another crop. The Northern farmer has but one chance, but the Florida farmer can 'try, try again.' If he gets one crop out of the whole year, he has made it pay. Of course much can be done to prevent crops from freezing. There are other enemies to success in trucking, but freezing is the most disastrous.

I believe there are some of our people who could remove to Florida with profit both to themselves and to the cause of God, but I believe that it would be very unwise in other cases. It is impossible for us at this end of the line to say who should come, and who should not; yet we are asked that question in almost every mail. No general rule could be laid down to decide the matter; but I would say to all, investigate by a personal visit before making an expensive move. Some have written that they have sold or are about to sell a good farm in the North, intending to invest the proceeds in Florida land. Brethren, do not do it. First visit the State and study conditions. Then you can move wisely. I am glad to answer letters, but I confess it perplexes me to know how to reply to the questions, and make sure of giving the right impression. So let me propose, as the better way, that all interested make a personal visit before sacrificing your Northern homes. Our conference welcomes all our loyal brethren who locate among us, but we do not want you to be led to sacrifice the heritage God has given you in a bad deal for poor land. Address the undersigned at Orlando, Fla.

R. W. PARMELE, President Florida Conference.