S(i MNETEEN'IH KEFOKT. 



its agricultural development, as northern Michigan, then, it is true, a 

 few years will see striking changes. The map then does establish, 

 however, the primitive character of development, and puts into their 

 true liglit the conditions which the settler will need to face. A map of 

 uses of the land at such a stage serves a mudi more important purpose 

 as well. It will indicate primarily the distribution of forests and their 

 dominant trees, of prairies, meadows, swamps and barrens. In short, it 

 shows primarily the distribution of native types of vegetation. Hilgard, 

 in fact, urged that this is the time to make a soil study, when man has 

 not disturbed the order of nature. From this native vegetation can be 

 deduced "the same results we now gather from long experience, or from 

 culture tests with fertilizers. . It is, then . . important that the original 

 state of things should be put on record as quickly as possible."* In 

 such a new area the map would be an index not only of the agricultural 

 fitness of the soil, but would give indications as well of the difficulty of 

 clearing and otherwise reclaiming the land. Whether the area be young 

 or well developed the execution of such a map will be helpful. 



These proposals embody some ideals of the geographer, in the working 

 out of which he believes that his science eventually will participate. 

 Here it will find the opportunity for practical field work, which alike 

 will benefit the progressive resident of the area, protect the home-seeker, 

 and accumulate valuable information for the student of rural conditions. 



University of Michigan, Marcli 29, 1917. 



*Citefl above, p. 81. 



