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of crops cultivated in this latitude, and is especially adapted to the cul- 

 tivation of grass. The opening and prairie land lies between these 

 belts of timber, and south of them. That portion of land within the 

 county, on the north side of the St. Joseph river, is mostly oak open- 

 ings. The soil of the openings partakes of some variety. It is sandy 

 or gravelly, with an admixture of loam. It has been proved to be well 

 adapted to the culture of wheat, as well as corn, oats and other pro- 

 ducts. 



We have whitewood, black walnut, cherry, ash, maple, elm, beech 

 and oak timber in abundance. 



We have but little clay in this county, but it is found in some locali- 

 ties sufficient for making brick, which are now extensively used in 

 building. 



Marl, from which a good quality of lime is made, is also found in 

 sufficient quantities for home consumption. 



There is not a great amount of stone, but the supply is abundant for 

 ordinary use in making cellars, and the foundations of buildings. 



There are some marshes, though none of any considerable extent 

 but such as are capable of drainage, and in time they will become val- 

 uable meadow lands. Iron ore, of the kind denominated bog ore, is 

 found in eome places, and there are now two blast furnaces in this 

 county; one of them has recently been erected in the town of Butler. 

 The other is located at Union City, and has been in operation about 1 

 years, having proved to be a profitable investment. The kidney iron ore 

 is also found to some extent. 



Water, for the supply of man and beast, is found in great abundance, 

 in all parts of the county, of a pure and wholesome quality. 



Situated in the southern part of the State, and nearly equi-distant 

 from the two great lakes, Erie and Michigan, we have unusually mild 

 weather during the winter months. Snow sometimes falls to the depth 

 of 12 to 18 inches, rarely as much as that. In spring, summer and 

 autumn, the weather is delightful. With a fertile soil, a salubrious cli- 

 mate, an abundant supply of pure water, a great plenty of timber for 

 building purposes, and for fuel, with a sufficient quantity of lime, clay 

 and stone, for the practical uses of life, it is no wonder that this county 

 was sought out for the residence of civilized man, at an early day. The 

 first of the Saxon race who came to this county, emigrated from west- 



