360 



■this region thirty years ago. Their numbers previous are said to have 

 been incredible. 



Few trials have been made in drainage. A shallow ditch, or even a 

 .passage cut through a beaver dam, has in two or three instances effect- 

 ed great improvement. I observed vegetables growing upon a piece 

 thus ditched, and it is said that wheat succeeds well. 



This tract is owned mostly by " non-residents." Several untenanted 

 houses gave evidence that a few families who had commenced a settle- 

 ment have deserted to more favorite spots. Ditching had not been at- 

 tempted. The expense of this kind of improvement is comparatively 

 small, and I do not doubt that were less than half the ordinary labor in 

 "clearing" bestowed upon a course of drainage, these lands, instead of 

 their present little estimation, might soon be accounted amongst the 

 most fertile in the State.* 



In the south-east quarter of range eight east, town of Huron, marsh- 

 es occupy, it is supposed, two-thirds of the surface. They have a peat 

 soi], averaging two feet, but occasionally much deeper, and inclined to 

 bog. Cranberries grow abundantly. Branches of Swan creek meander 

 this tract in such manner as to facilitate drainage; and the comparative- 

 ly dry character of a large portion will render the cost of ditching mod- 

 erate. 



Smaller marshes occur in the county, though not frequent, and of 

 little general account. 



ENCROACHMENTS OF THE RIVER AND LAKES. 



Extensive damage hfis been occasioned by the unusual height of the 

 lake waters during several past seasons. From the St. Clair to Huron 

 river, the coast, which is mostly gravelly blue clay, with alternations of 

 ■sand, has been abraded to such an extent, since 1835, as to remove the 

 ■entire line of coast, where improtected, several yaids to the westward. 

 Along the coast of Hamtramck, above Detroit, scarcely a vestige of the 

 old river road remains. Near Milk River pointy the waters are said to 

 have advanced inland 150 feet within the past two years. Below De- 

 troit, the depredations upon the coast have been less severe, but sufficient- 

 ly so to render a portion of the road below the Ecorce unserviceable, 

 and deprive the already narrow turnpike above of several yards of its 



•Ditf)ie« may usually be ciir, if 3 feet wiile by 2 d.-cp, fo- from 'vv > lo four ehilliiiL-s per rod 

 — ptrhups loss. The irain diiclieu oi the e.\ie isivo m.ushes iu Uauitramck, owned by Judge 

 Conant and others, are G foet by 4, aud cost §1 per rod. 



