In 1872, Stowe published Palmetto Leaves . The book was a compilation of pieces she wrote after she and her husband began wintering in Mandarin, Florida . It is a book filled with ink drawings and words about the people and wildlife of the area. It includes stories like the one about her picnic on Julington Creek with its "bright sun, a blue sky, a fresh, strong breeze upon the water." Drawings show palm trees and happy dogs. There are views of the St. Johns River , "like a looking-glass, the sun staring steadfastly down."