Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1837-06-28

pupose of landing passengers, discharging freight
and of procuring wood. Some of the names l
can recollect, such as Fairport, Huron, Grand
River, &c. all places of no great importance, yet
at the same time transacting considerable bust
ness with the back country, in shipping produce
for market, and in receiving merchandise for
country dealers. Friday morning we entered
the Cuyahoga river, upon whose banks and IN the
vicinity of which is situated the town Of Cleve-
is the most populous place in Ohio. This also,
like Erie, is built upon location that portion Of
which nearest to 70 river and lake is composed
of low lands, while the business part Of the city
or village, whatever it may be, is upon an emil
nence some fifteen or twenty feet above the level
of the water Its population, should judge, is
about seven or eight thousand. Here the Ohio
canal terminates, and the trade with the interior
is immense. II is here that large part OF the
flour, pork, sc. destined for the eastern market,
is shipped, and in return, the merchandize which
is to supply the wants of those residing upon the
route of the Ohio canal is brought. You will
perceive the importance Of this place, and the ad-
vantages which it possesses for becoming large,
wealthy and commercial city. Our tarry here
was short, and had not time to take general
survey, but noticed many fine buildings, such as
churches, blocks of stores, &c.
From this place we proceeded onward, and af-
ter making one or two more stoppages, we bore
away for Detroit river. leaving tho Maumeo on
our lcfs, -S~iAh all It's cities and villages This
part of the voyage was most delightful. The
winds were hushed-the lake was smooth, and
onward the gallant steamer bounded through the
foaming surge and raging waters, which were
raised in agitation by the speed Of her passage
Beautiful islands, covered all over with green
foliage, here broke upon our vision, just as the sun
was reclining beneath the western horizon
throwing his last rays upon them as they appear
ed in the distance. The prospect was enchant-
ing, and all looked upon it with delight But ere
long it was lost, for the darkness of night came
creeping over the 'vasty deep hiding from our
view all save that by which we were immediate
ly surrounded. At about IL o'clock we hove to-
return fday to proceed onward. Morning came
and with it the hour of departure. The Detroit
is magnificent river, Astounding on either side
with fine scenery. Here and there is to be seen
an old French habitation, the remains Of former
days-and wind mills revolving in the breoze,
brought Don Quixotte forcibly to mind. At
length we arrived at the city of Detroit at about
5, A. nj. OH the third day from Buffalo.
Detroit, as every body knows, is very ancient
place-having been settled by the Canadians pre-
vious to the old French and Indian war. For a
long time, however, it was merely station of
the fur traders, and Catholic missionaries. Ma
ny buildings yet remain, which bear evident
marks that the hand of time has been upon them.
Their structure tells of former ages-their decay
ed appearance of another people. But since the
tide of emigration has set in from the east--since
the government land has come into market, this
city has become large place of extensive bust
ness. Jefferson Avenue is the principal street,
where large portion of tho trade is carried on.
1t contains several large and elegant churches,
besides other fine buildings. Detroit is the CAPT
tai ofthe state but it is presumed that the seat of
government will ere long be removed to some
| more central Poths.
From Detroit passed through the Interior
l saw nothing as / came along worthy of espe-
cial notice in the counties of Wayne and Wash.
tenaw, five except the bad roads and rough trav-
cling. Here and there however, webeheld beau
tiful farm houses, with extensive fields of wheat
and other grains. But as we proceeded west
the appearance of the country improved. The
land looked better, the crops more thrifty, and
people more prosperous. There are many small
villages in Michigan, more than had expected
to find. Ann Arbor, the county seat of Wash
tenaw, is one of the old settled places of the west,
but has of late received a new impulse to its bu-
sincss, and is dashing away in fine STYLE Ma
ny ofthe villages consist of number of build
ings, generally collected upon rivers, or large
streams of water, where power can be obtained
for propelling machinery. Jacksonburgh, the
county scat of Jackson, upon the head waters of
the Grand river, is just springing into existence
Passing into Calhoun county, the appearance
Of the country was changed for the better. In
this part of the state burr and white oak OPEN
ings form by far the largest portion of the tim
bered lands, Upon these the trees are exceed
ingly sparse, there not being, in most places, as
many upon ten acres, as is often found in New
England and New York upon one. The labour
required for clearing and improving the soil, is
but trifling compared with that which is neces-
sary in the eastern states. And besides, when
once broken, it is much easier of cultivation and
more productive withal Forty bushels ofwheat
to the acre. is said to be but the usual average in
some sections. The only place of note in this
county, is Marshall, situate on Rice creek, a
tributary ofthe Kalamazoo. This is village of
recent origin, but of rapid growth. There are
several dry goods stores-churches being built
tavcrns-mechanic shops--two printing Offices,
and lawyers, doctors, &c. together with ample
water power, much of which il improved. But
its situation did not like. 1t is built upon low
ground which should suppose was not very
conducive to health.
From Marshall took south west direction,
coming through part of Calhoun, Branch and
st. Joseph counties. The country along this
route is new and but thinly settled. But its APP
pearance told well ofits capacity for maintaining
dense population. After entering st. Joseph
we came upon Nottawaseppie prairie, which is
about six miles long and three in breadth.
To those who are unaccustomcd to prairics,
even this one, so small in extent, presents stri-
k;nr annearance The whole of il in not vet in