221 



The cost of clearing land is great, unless the situation is near a har- 

 bor, or mines, where cord wood can be sold. The price of hay has never 

 to my knowledge, been less than 825 per ton, potatoes $1 per bushel, 

 and oats $1. 



On Point Keweenow, the mining companies own most of the land, 

 but would lease it to farmers at low rates, reserving the timber. There 

 are on Lake Superior but few extensive pineries ; no pine for exporta- 

 tion. 



The chmate is not the same in all parts of the Lake country, it being 

 influenced by position and elevation. It is, however, everywhere 

 healthy, resembling that of Vermont. Navigation is closed on an av- 

 erage, five months in the year. In its present and natural state, it is 

 less dangerous than on either of the lower Lakes, before improvements 

 were made by the general government. 



As yet very little attention has been paid to agricultiu-e, owing to the 

 absorbing interest aroused by the presence of copper and iron in boun- 

 tiful profusion. But farming has been, and doubtless will be, the surest 

 mode of acquiring property for those who are in want of capital, and 

 have the will and strength to labor. 



The best products of the country, hay, oats, potatoes, and turnips, are 

 such as can never be successfully brought from a distance. I do not 

 think that cattle, hogs, or horses, can be raised here profitably. The 

 diflSculties attending a commencement on a farm, are the cost of clearing 

 and the expense of making roads. But in the vicinity of mines, roads 

 are made by mining companies. 



I omit all reference to the mining interest, for want of time to do jus- 

 tice to the subject ; and also because the geological reports and public 

 prints have made it comparatively well imderstood. 



The diseases of the country are not yet understood, having generally 

 been such as result from exposures elsewhere. 



The waters of Lake Superior and the atmosphere, produce the hap- 

 piest efiects upon consumptive persons not too far gone with the com- 

 plaint. Such persons resort here continually for the purpose of cure, 

 and generally with success. It would anticipate the presence of rheu- 

 matic diflBcultiee, in time. During severe seasons spent in explorations 

 on the waters discharging into this Lake, from Fon du Lac to the Sault, 

 I have had occasion to resort to medicine among my party but once. 



