In some portions of the county, as in the northeast corner, there is a kind of chalk rock and numerous small pieces of friable limestone. Many bowlders at one time lay on the surface in the northern part, indicating that this was a portion of the drift region. Below the layer of clay well borings enter sand, which has not, so far as our knowledge goes, been penetrated to the underlying stratum. This county, like others in this part of the State, produces luxuriant crops of various kinds of grasses, which constitute its greatest natural resource. Blue joint, or blue stem, as it is called by some, is the principal variety.
Red top grows in low meadows and coarse slough grass on the bottom lands.
There is also a species of reed growing in wet lands, which is preferred by cattle to almost anything else, when it is young and tender, as it is then extremely succulent. Blue joint furnishes an abundance of nutritious hay. The principal kinds of native forest trees found here by the early settlers were the elm, willow, ash and box-elder. Most of the native trees have been utilized, but many fine groves are rapidly springing up in various parts of the county, and before many years, will not only change the bleak aspect of nature, but will at the same time materially modify and mollify the severity of the winter winds. In the northern part of the country there is an abundance of excellent clay suitable for making brick, and experienced tile-makers also say there is a fine quality of tile clay there also, although no tiles have yet been made.