their children a good education, and in raising themselves above the necessity 

 of continual labor ! 



The farmer, independent as he is, has generally to toil early and late foi 

 nearly a life-time, before he surrounds himself with the conveniences of life ; 

 and he enjoys a comparative competence in his old age, if at all, at the fearful 

 sacrifice of a body rendered prematurely infirm and miserable. 



There is one branch of industry against which the foregoing objections can- 

 not be urged. It is comparatively undeveloped, and in certain localities the 

 extent of its boundless wealth and resources are not even suspected. We refer 

 to our fruit interests, and especially that of the peach. The localities for the 

 successful culture of the peach are yearly becoming fewer and more contract- 

 ed ; and, hence, in those favored spots which seem especially designed by Prov- 

 idence for that purpose, any labor expended is sure to be repaid with a muni- 

 ficent reward. The peach is one of the most delicious fruits of any clime, and 

 the demand for it is absolutely imlimited. In the Western States it can only be 

 grown with certaintj^ and success in the celebrated " Michigan Peach Belt" — ■ 

 a strip of land perhaps fifteen miles wide, on the eastern coast of Lake Michi- 

 gan, which seems by the peculiar modifications of the lake on the climate, to- 

 f ether with a soil of wonderful adaptation to the culture of all fruits, to com- 

 ine every requisite which the most fastidious horticulturist could suggest. 

 The great Northwest, and many sections of the Middle and Eastern states, are 

 mainly dependent on this tract for their supply of this luscious fruit ; and when 

 we think of the miglity cities, populous towns, thrifty villages, and immense 

 rural districts, filled with homes of wealth, luxury and refinement, in this the 

 most wealthy and populous portion of the continent, it is utterly impossible 

 for the mind to estimate or conceive the consumption of such a people and the 

 demands of such a market. But nature would seem determi)ied to keep pace 

 in her profuseness to man, with his wants. The extraordinary success with 

 which the peach producer has been already rewarded must soon cover such 

 portions of this tract as are convenient to ports and rail-roads, so as to aflford 

 market facilities, with flourishing orchards, which shall supply our markets and 

 tables. 



In the fruit business, much depends on the accessibility of a ready market ; 

 and when this is combined with the f<iregoing advantages of climate and soil, 

 that is the location to be chosen above afl others. 



The attention of the reader is now called to a portion of the 

 " Michigan Peach Belt" referred to, which, it if claimed, offers 

 greater inducements to settlers than any other point, and they 

 are invited to a serious consideration, and thorough investiga- 

 tion of the facts. The two most desirable localities for peaches 

 and other fruits, are the Grand Haven and St. Joseph regions. 

 The vicinity of Grand Haven is considered by far the most pre- 

 ferable for the following reasons : 



1st. — The climate is better adapted to peaches, owing to the 

 prevailing S.W. winds sweeping over 100 miles of open water, and 

 consequently the crop is more certain. 



2nd. — Thelands are near a good harbor and rail-roads, neither 

 of which St. Joseph has, thus commanding the eastern as well as 

 the Chicago, Milwaukee and all the lake markets. 



3d. — Lands with treble the natural advantages, can be obtain- 

 ed at one third the price. 



These facts will be noticed particnlarly hereafter. 



