Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-05-21
From the Michigan Farmer.

GRIND TRA VERSE COUNTRY
In the February number of the Farmer,
1 notice some inquiries from j. Pennington,
about the country around Grand Traverse
Bay. Now as the Bay country is somewhat
extensive, there being about $50 miles of
shore to it, there is, therefore, large amount
of country bordering on the bay. will an
swer some of his inquiries as to the country
in the vicinity of this place, hoping that DIR.
Schetterly, or some other one will answer for
the other points.
Elk Rapids, the name of our village, is
situated on the east side of the East Bay
(you will see by referring to Farmers Map
Of Michigan, that it is divided into the East
and West Bay by peninsula,) twenty miles
from the head, on both sides of the Elk River,
which is the outlet of Elk Lake, Round
Lake, Torch Lake, Clam Lake, Grass Lake,
and Intermediate Lake, extending back into
the country some fifty miles. The country
bordering upon these Lakes is timbered land
of good quality for farming purposes, wat
cred by spring brooks, upon which there is
an abundance Of hydraulic power. Two saw
mills are in process Of erection on these small
streams Our village contains 800 inhabi-
tants, and will probably be the county site
Of a new county to be formed out of Grand
Traverse and Antrim counties.
In answer to Mr. Pennington's first in
quiry, l would say Government land is to be
had on the east side of the Bay, but upon
the Peninsula and the west side it is not in
the market at present, being reserved for the
Indians, but we understand it will be brought
into market this season; the price, seventy
five cents per acre to settlers, (speculators are
not wanted) for 100 acres; all over that,
$1.25 per acre.
Second the weather is not any colder
than in the southern part of the State, nor
is it so changeable, as we never have thaws,
rain and mud in winter.
Third, crops that will grow on timbered
land in the south part of the State, will grow
here; it is admirably adapted to raising
wheat and clover, in consequence of there
being SO much lime in the soil. A breeze
almost every day will prevent wheat from
rusting, and the snow will protect it from
winter-killing. Corn does well with ordinary
care. Oats grow SO large they lodge. Po-
tatoes are the best | ever saw. Being out
where my friend j. S. Barker was digging
his, had the curiosity to count the number
from one hill; the result was eighty-fve
good sized ones for table use, and numbers
of small ones for the pigs.
Fotrth, sleighing lasts from first Of Janu-
ary to middle of March.
Fifth, frost generally comes from the mid
die of October to the first of November
Having desire to see this country, l left
Grand Rapids, Oct 10th, 1854; we had our
vines killed by frost there, two weeks before
When we reached Grand Traverse, the 18th,
we found potato and tomato vines green as
in summer.
Sixth, decidedly good fruit country
Apple trees have not failed to bear good
crop for eight years, and peach trees have
borne well for four years past on the PENN
sula. The fruit trees appear to be rather
weather-wise, and do not unfold their deli.
cate blossoms until Jack Frost has taken hic
leave for the season. am SO fully persuad.
ed it will be good country, that shall ado