A GLIMPSE AT MICHIGAN HORTICULTUKE. 89 



the latter county that its northern limit is about the boundary of the success- 

 ful culture of the less hardy varieties in the interior of the Sitate; but a large 

 population settling to the north furnishes an admirable market near at hand 

 for all the surplus fruit of Montcalm. 



OCEAN"A, MASO]^^, MANISTEE, BENZIE, 



These four counties lie along the Michigan shore next north of Muskegon. 

 Each has its lake harbor, and, although less developed than any of the coun- 

 ties before named, still the growing of fruit has become a leading industry in 

 many locations. The finest plums in the world are grown here. Intelligent 

 growers are awakening to the possibilities of this region, and great fruit farms 

 are being planted. A glance at the map will suffice to show that portions of 

 Oceana and Mason counties extend well out into the lake, giving a water pro- 

 tection even when the wind is directly north or south. 



In all this region frozen ground is unknown. A mantle of snow drops down 

 upon the land before severe winter weather, and remains until the danger from 

 frosts is over in the spring. 



In Manistee and Benzie the fact is especially to be noted that the soil is cal- 

 careous in its nature, and the country abounds in pure springs from which the 

 celebrated grayling are taken in abundance. Pure water, clear air, and rich 

 soil, with a delightful climate, make this a famous region. The Pere Marquette 

 Eailroad taps Lake Michigan at Ludington in Mason county; the Chicago & 

 West Michigan line reaches to Pentwater in Oceana, and will soon be extended 

 farther north, while the completion of a road to Manistee is certain to be 

 accomplished this season. 



GtlAND TRAYERSE. 



The "Grand Traverse region" includes more than a county; by the term we 

 mean the country about the large bay of that name. The waters of the great 

 lake, the depth of the bay, and the large area of inland water tributary to the 

 bay, render the climate of this country peculiarly mild. Favorable locations 

 are absolutely protected from extremes of temperature. The minimum tem- 

 perature in severe winters is 20'^ warmer than the most of the south half of the 

 State. The bay is from 600 to 1,200 feet in depth, and acts as an immense 

 refrigerator in spring, keeping back vegetation and fruit buds until all danger 

 of frosts is over; and after becoming warmed up through the summer, acts as 

 ii huge warming-pan in preventing early fall frosts. The surface about north- 

 ern Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay, and the deep inland lakes, descends 

 rapidly toward the water, affording ready and rapid atmospheric drainage. 

 The soil is composed of glacial drift, abounding in all the elements of plant 

 growth, and has perfect natural underdrainage. A layer of clay is usually 

 within reach of tree roots, giving a good "bottom" for pear culture. By water 

 this country has cheap freights to all lake ports and to Europe. 



Apples, pears, plums, and cherries are the fruits for this region. The large 

 fruits are noted for their exceptionally fine flavor and keeping qualities. 

 Grand Traverse pears and cherries are famous in the great markets of the 

 West, and the j)lums, which are superb, rarely can reach the large markets, for 

 they have become so popular on the route. 



The climate of this region is very healthful, and malarial diseases are scarcely 

 known except as they are imported. The landscapes are of unsurpassed beau- 

 ty, and although now through the direct communication of the Grand Rapids 



