Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-06-24

now remains TO employ this chapter IN tracing out
the disposition that nature and the hand OF time
have made Of the objects existing upon this sur
face, in fitting il for the abode, and rendering It
conclusive OF the industry OF man.
In arranging these objects, three several and dis
tine, divisions present Observation-Disclosures, Prai-
rio and Rough.% The woods, or groves,t which
cover abou, ono half the whole district, compr-
eing every kind, and probably every species oftim-
Der and shrub common to the FORESTS ofthe United
States in this latitude, with the very welcome ex-
ceptions perhaps of beech and hemlock Of tho for
msr, and Of tho latter, that familiar acquaintance
of every eastern farmer, the elder. Their distin-
gushing characteristics, are the general absence oil
closenass or contiguity--iheir decreasing density
upon leavinL the water rses,--which they al
mos. invariably border, land approaching the
summit loyel-,he great prevalency of oak, of which
there are at least eight species, lastly, their ssrk-
log resemblance TO tho results ofstuded cement.
Pine is not numerous within the present limits of
the Districts bu, mostly bounding upon the north,
is M almost interminable forrest of this valuable
timber. The oak, principally in consequence of
tho openness Of the woods, which il often exclusive
ly forms, usually atans to less size than its res-
pectivo species elsewhere; but this deficiency is
paid back in a more firm and durable texture.
The prairios, which extend promiscuously over,
and together include about one third Of the surface,
commonly, and upon the east side Of the mississip-
pi almost invariably occupy the higher grounds,
or tho ssdiyidos" and the country adjseen, thsm.
Their margins are variousy and deeply indented,
In proportion as tho country preserves or desiatcs
from its common level--falling back upon itself
whenever a stream finds its origin nearer the snm-
init of tho "dyide," and readily widening again
whom tho giound regains its usual height or lat
,srai ridge makes of They are invariably STROLL
ing, generality 10 convenient proximity to timber,
exceedingly well wa,ered, and furnish--in connec-
ton with many timbercd soctionsby their unbroken
and extended ridges, facilities for roads that defy
comparison with any other country. They pos
sess, too, their full share of benuty-a rich and
ried verdue, snercod by deep and folding border
Of darker hue; relieved by the trembling foliage
of many dense aud solitary grove, and decked
with thousand flowers Of a thousand species.
The roughs are dense growth of shrubbery and
young timber---of which tho hazel Is much the
most abundant and universal-with sometimes here
aud there an isolated and lonely oak. Occasion
ally they arc found at considerable distance from
timber, bu, they more generally occupy middle
ground between tho timber and prairie, reciprocal
Nv skr,ing both Their origin dates with the first
settlement of the country, and is recrable to the
decreased and decreasing action OF that principle
which has PLAY cd so conspicuous and Memorabilia
mart throughout the entire ssWesl" Fire has been,
incontrovotiiby, tho cause that has reduced the
once contiguous forrest, through every grade and
pha.e of ,sopenings'' down TO the prairies as We
find thorn
Never was any land more abundanty supplied
with springs, aud never any springs more beautiful
and limpld IN passing hastily over the country,
ono 10 constantly impressed with the idea OF tho ex-
,stence Of an immence subte,raneous reservoir be-
nsath, so influenced by pressure, as to be boiling
up at oyery possible communication with the sur
face. Sometimes the water gushes out with an
astonishing force, producing constantly the most
violent agitation oftho spring; in other situations,
though perhaps large in volume, they appear nearer
upon level with their source, and are on'y sufii-
cien,y active to partial eoulliton,and keep
the white sand at the bottom in n state OF never
eea.ine res,lesness; aud again, they rush from
,he vase of some OF the lohier bluffs full sized
brook their murmur can be heard far in the hill,
ma they come dashing on through arched channels.
worn out by their, own antlrng action.
His 20 the number and sire OF these springs thas
the country ia indebted Tor its boun,iful supply OF
water from rl tn river, and its vast amount OF by
lraulic mower The Ire all pass along brisk
~. over pehbly or rocky bottom guarded by bold
break banks, and their waters, before m'nstns
with the Mississippi, are cold, clear and hsal'hil.
Oar limits will only allow US to say farther
,a,, all the changing gayey aad song that tbs
,,,.,,ss OF northern summer eau inv'se~-a sof
- s,,..lss. breeze ia summsr--a fresh brseinl
ala varied and pleasing scenery, and ee1nir,
,,,h enc slight and local exception, universally
healthy, are enhonty the Characteristics Of The
Mining District.
elbow or when thl, application became soass'tu'
,ca for ,hieket, we are unable TO tell: but Il hs
.s.a,-sd ,rretcy upon tic entire western iroatie'
ofehs Ca;ed States sud Texas
~ q word I, much mose eogrscsiy Spplisj tho
.,,,, a.. xes.esa, thsa ia the New E,Eand snt
MI,sls States whsge il tsisgres 10 tas sse Vi the
,,-asst testeaa Of fhs s,se oiihs io'esi
tI,ea eaunt,y hesmesn the Plates, "a this eeua-
n,hr.e,pe, perhaps, The very bsst timber in the
sysol. Minias District, iss striking exception &c
tAis general rule.