DEVELOPMEXT OF MICHIGAN WASTE LANDS 439 



quate system of wardens, fire-fighting equipment, and 

 removal of slashings.^ 



C. 0. Sauer has sketched a plan for a soil survey, 

 which includes such data as would normally interest 

 the homeseeker and purchaser of a farm. Of pri- 

 mary interest, he points out, is the location of the 

 markets accessible to the farmer, which should be 

 plainly indicated on a sketch map of the region. The 

 map also shows significant topographical and drain- 

 age features. Geographical features should be de- 

 scribed in terms of their origin. Local names of soils 

 should be retained wherever possible. Soils should 

 be related to slopes in the description of them. There 

 should be a brief interpretation of the climate, in- 

 cluding "the average length of growing season, fre- 

 quency of unseasonable frosts, depth of frost action, 

 amount and duration of snow-cover, distribution of 

 rain during growing season, frequency of droughts 

 and rainy 'spells' at critical periods, intensity of 

 precipitation, occurrence of hail and violent wind- 

 storms." Farmers' experiences of local weather 

 conditions should not be ignored. Typical farm prac- 

 tices should be described. There should be abun- 

 dant photographic illustration. A map showing the 

 actual use to which the land is being put should be 

 included. Present or past forest cover should lie 

 noted. Such a map is very significant to the stu- 

 dent and inquirer. The history of the use of the land 

 should be stated. 



' "Michigan's Millions of Idle Acres," 44. 



