Notice of the Peninsula of Michigan. 317 
in the woods and natural meadows, with but little aid from 
hay. ve 
During the past summer fevers have been prevalent in 
most of the interior settlements, particularly on the banks of 
streams obstructed by dams, or timber, and in the vicinity of 
swamps. Decaying plants are exposed in the dry season to 
the sun and a warm atmosphere. 
The annual recurrence of fevers in Michigan, in the wes- 
tern parts of Ohio, and in most new countries, is a serious 
evil to settlers. But! apprehend the rolling interior of the 
peninsula will soon be healthy in ordinary seasons—should 
this be the result, the lake region will be among the most de- 
sirable places of residence in the territory. 
The undulating district west of the wood clad plain of the 
coast, is rapidly settling, principally by emigrants from the 
states of Ohio and New-York, of New-England descent, or 
birth. The judicious restriction of public lands to cash sales, 
has a tendency to secure a valuable population free from 
debt. I was informed by Major Biddle, United States land 
commissioner, who favoured me with many interesting facts, 
that a majority of the settlers have confined their purchases to 
eighty acres. A section of six hundred and forty acres, ora 
square mile, is frequently occupied by eight families. Few 
large tracts have been taken on speculation, to interfere with 
dense settlements, so necessary to promote education, and 
moral, and religious improvement. 
Emigrants endeavour to obtain well watered farms, that 
have a portion of good timbered land, a tract of openings, 
anda naturalmeadow. Ascarcity of timber for fueland fencing 
will soon be experienced in parts of the interior, ‘ limiting 
the population, if measures are not taken to secure the 
growth of wood. ‘The soil and climate are well adapted to 
the production of the chestnut tree, which excels in durability 
for timber and fencing. In fifteen years valuable forests may 
be formed with little trouble by planting the nut, and a new 
supply will arise spontaneously when these groves are cut. 
In the oak and hickory openings clearings are easily ef- 
fected. A settlercanclear, fence, and put down to wheat, 
thirty or forty acres the first season. The rich hickory open- 
ings, and prairies of the interior, present a good grazing re- 
gion. Cattle and sheep are healthy among the hills, thrive 
on native grasses, and can be supported through the year in 
considerable flocks at moderate charge—sheep must be pen- 
