GROUP OF SANDY LOAMS AND FINE SANDS. 49 
quite frequently occurs as ridges, some of which are quite pro¬ 
nounced. In some instances the slopes are extremely steep, 
quite frequently eroded and often stony. These extremely rough 
areas have been indicated on the map separately and referred 
to as a rough phase. The soil within the rough areas is usually 
subject to more variation than the typical soil. The topography 
of the typical soil is such that modern farm machinery can be 
used on practically all of the areas. On the rough phase this 
is difficult and it is often impossible to use modern farm ma¬ 
chinery. 
On account of the irregular surface features and the rather 
open character of the subsoil the natural drainage is well estab¬ 
lished and often excessive. 
Origin .—This type of soil has practically the same origin as 
the Vilas sand having been derived through glacial action from 
crystalline rock material mixed with debris from sandstone 
rocks. It is probable that the sandy loam however, contains a 
somewhat larger proportion of material derived from the gran- * 
itic rocks than is the case with the sand type. No limestone ma¬ 
terial has entered into the formation of this type, and both soil 
and subsoil show varying degrees of acidity. 
Native vegetation .—The original timber growth consisted 
largely of oak with some white pine, poplar, birch and a small 
amount of maple and elm in places. At the present time the cut¬ 
over sections which are not cultivated have a second growth of 
poplar, scrubby oak, hazel brush, and some sweet fern. 
Present agricultural development .—Probably somewhat over 
half of this soil is under cultivation at present, and where im- 
proed and where fair methods are followed, usually quite satis¬ 
factory returns are secured. Dairying and potato raising are 
' the chief lines of farming. Somewhat better yields are secured 
than on the sand type. Potatoes are better adapted to this soil 
than to the Vilas sand, and the type is more readily improved. 
The most common rotation followed consists of a small grain, 
followed by clover, and then by corn or potatoes. Some diffi¬ 
culty is experienced in getting stands of clover—one reason be¬ 
ing that the soil is acid and needs lime. In a few cases this has 
been supplied with good results, but on most of the farms no 
lime has ever been used. 
4 —w. o. 
