A GLIMPSE AT MICHIGAN^ HORTICULTURE. 83 



thrifty trees bearinj]^ luscious fruit in large quantity. Sucli land can not be 

 poor. It is also true that in many localities heavy soil can be found immedi- 

 ately upon the shore. In the interior the best fruit lands are clay and sandy 

 loams, and if the location pleases the purchaser, there is little doubt but he can 

 obtain the quality of soil that will satisfy his taste. 



The low lands, in many places in which vegetable matter predominates, are 

 being utilized by the horticulturist and often are very valuable when fitted for 

 market gardening or cranberry culture. 



CHEAP LANDS. 



The almost fabulous prices at which well developed fruit fiirms have ex- 

 changed hands in western Michigan have led many to believe that it requires a 

 large investment to enter the realm of successful fruit culture. It is only in 

 cases where orchards have come into successful bearing and are returning a 

 large income that the lands command extravagant prices. The fruit region of 

 Michigan is extensive, and only a small part of the land available for the pro- 

 duction of even the more tender fruits has been improved. As good locations 

 can be secured to-day at rates varying from ten to twenty-five dollars per acre, 

 as those which have exchanged hands at from $200 to $1,000 dollars per acre 

 after the plantations were in full bearing. 



The three railroad corporations that have land-grants offer special induce- 

 ments to settlers upon their lands, and there are cheap farms to be bought in 

 every county in the Slate. Upon the '-Uuimb" of Michigan, that peninsula 

 made by the indenture of Saginaw Bay, there is every reason to believe peach- 

 culture will become a specialty. The location is a very favorable one, the lands 

 are accessible, and as yet not high priced. 



Those who contemplate building homes in our State should give time to 

 their selection. A few weeks spent in examination of locations and prices will, 

 in the end, be money in the pocket. 



It is impossible, in a short paper, to give much light concerning special local- 

 ities, but by means of recent correspondence we have gathered some locality 

 statements which will answer the questions that are most commonly a;'..ked. 



MOKROE COUNTY. 



Monroe county is at the head of Lake Erie, and along its shores are the most 

 extensive and successful vineyards in the State. In this county more grape 

 wine is produced than in all the rest of the State. A large nursery interest 

 center^ at Monroe City, and excellent pears are grown which find a ready mar- 

 ket, at high prices, in the large markets of Detroit and Toledo. Eailroad and 

 water communication makes this an exceptionally good point for the market 

 horticulturist. The calcareous soil gives a higher quality to the grape than in 

 most other places in the State. Wine makers give two or three cents more per 

 pound for grapes grown on this lime soil than for the average grapes in the 

 market. 



BRANCH, HILLSDALE AND LENAWEE. 



The above named counties raise excellent apples and pears, and upon the 

 high lands peaches are grown nearly every year. These counties are upon a 

 high level, and the streams flow rapidly, giving good land and atmospheric 



