EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. . 501 



The Soils op the Upper Peninsula.* 



A considerable variety of soils is found in the Upper Peninsula, 

 These soils range from heavy clays to sandy soils, including a number 

 of types of loams between these extremes. It has been estimated that 

 65 per cent of the soils of the district may be used in productive agri- 

 culture. 



Two general classes of swamp lands are also found. The first of 

 these comprise small upland swamps, in some cases occupying what 

 were originally small lakes or ponds and formed of materials which 

 have largely grown in or upon these waters until the accumulations 

 now occupy the place originally occupied by them. The second of these 

 which may be termed lowland swamps, occupy much larger areas, but 

 have been formed in much the same manner. 



Fig. 7. Substantial farm buildings are an indication of a good farm and prosperity. Barns 

 on tbe Fleming farm near Matchwood. Ontonagon County. 



DISTRIBUTION OF SOILS. 



In general, soils often vary within short distances, so that on a 

 single forty acres may be found sands, clays, loams and muck. On the 

 other hand, there is a rather marked geographic grouping of types of 

 soil. 



Clays— The Superior clay, may be said to be found in three groups. 

 The first occupies eastern and southeastern Chippewa county, extending 

 somewhat into northern Mackinac county. In this area is found the 

 oldest agriculture in the State of Michigan. The second clay area oc- 

 cupies a considerable portion of the Ontonagon Valley. The third clay 

 area comprises probably 100,000 acres in the Sturgeon River valley. A 

 fourth and smaller area of clay lies adjacent to Huron Bay and Keweenaw 

 Bay. 



The clays vary in depth from a few inches to 200 or more feet. At 

 Ewen, the clay reaches a depth of over 200 feet. 



Loams and Sands — Adjacent to but lying chiefly to the west and south 



♦By Jos. A. Jeffcry, Agr'l Development Agent. D. S. S. & A. Ry. Co. in Gcoperation 

 with the Experiment Station. 



