220 



lock, may be seeu. But'over large^paces, these c\ergreens do not pre- 

 dominate, and this is a sign of a more fertile soil. Where the slopes 

 of the mountains are moderate, and.^smooth, there are the Birch, Sugar 

 Tree, Elm, Linn, and occasionally a Spanish Oak. I never saw a 

 Chestnut, or Hickory, and but very few Beech trees. 



That portion of Point^Keweenow which lies east of Portage Lake, is 

 much broken, but has, I should judge, as much tillable land in propor- 

 tion, as the New England States. The trap rocks, (that contain the 

 copper veins,) contain alkalies, such as Lime, Soda and Potash ; and 

 their decomposition produces a rich soil. 



In the low grounds, and in fact, on slopes of 100 feet to the mile, 

 the White Cedar takes so firm a hold as to exclude other timber, and 

 constitute, a very great nuisance, in the form of innumerable swamps, 

 that are nearly impassable. The cedar swamps, however, furnish 

 the best of timber for the mines, and for rails. If any one wishes to 

 get an adequate idea of the number^and extent of these swamps, let 

 him ascertain the number of acres that fell to the State, under the act 

 of 1850, granting such lands to the States where they are situated. 

 These lands, however, when cleared, make the best of meadow. 



The remaining portion of the Upper Peninsula, from Portage Lake, 

 and the Anse, west to the Montreal River, may be divided into two 

 districts. That part lying south of the Mineral Range, on the head 

 waters of the Ontonagon, Sturgeon and Menominee Rivet's, is better 

 adapted to agriculture than any equal space on the Upper Peninsula. 



The Mineral Range is less broken and abrupt, west of Portage Lake, 

 and offers a good proportion of farming land. The lands north of the 

 Range, and between it and the Lake, are generally good. This belt of 

 country, having navigable water and excellent fish on one side, and 

 worked and workable mines on the other, offei-s the highest induce- 

 ments to farmers, of any region I know of. It is a gentle slope, from 

 the foot of the mountains to the water, with a soil of red clay and 

 sand, containing lime in its composition. I am satisfied it will produce 

 wheat well. It produces better grass than I ever saw elsewhere ; and 

 the same for potatoes, turnips, beets, carrots and cabbages. Oats do 

 well, and rye, and peas. Very few varieties of corn will come to ma- 

 turity. I am this season trjing a little buckwheat, and millet. 



