The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1882-07-28
Information About Michigan.

The attention of foreign immigrants
and of Americans DESTROYS of changing
their homes has been turned to Michigan
This year more than ever before. Iu-
quiries both numerous and minute have
been made of leading newspapers and OF
the Commissioner of Immigration for
information with respect to various por-
tons of the State. With view to OBJ
tanning the information necessary to
answer satisfactorily such inquiries,
Commissioner Morley has, for some
time past, been gathering facts of inter
est TO agriculturists and others about
the resources, climate, soil, ETC., OF diff
ferent sections of the State. The fol-
lowing circular of inquiries shows the
wide scope of the information sought
Specify the territory described. II only a
portion of the county Is referred TO, mention
the names or numbers Of the townships IN
cluded.
Give, in general terms, q description OF the
surface of this terTitory-statlng whe ther level,
hilly, or rolling. how it is watered, whether
much swamp or sand-plains, if the swamps are
recamabie, and II there Is any available water
power.
What is the general character of the coil in
different parts OF this territory? Also of the
sub soil?
What are the prevailing varieties Of timber |?
What are the successful crops? Any inior-
nation as to the results Of cultivation Of both
farm crops and garden vegetables will be espe-
cialy useful.
Has the cultivation OF fruits boon tested? IF
so, what varieties, ana with what results? IL
more fruits are grown than are needed for
home consumption, There are the markets for
surplus crops2
About what does il cost per acre 10 clear
timbered lands sufficiently foe the pillow? Are
there any convenient local markets for wood
to be used as fuelf What arc the usual
rates, i'll such markets. per cord for hard and
soft W Cd
Are there any United States lands in the ter
ritory described that are suitable for farming
purposes?
Are there are any State lands of similar char
acter?
If there are any railroad lands, what il their
general char ,cter?
Are there any good unimproved lands in the
market that were originally taken mp on &C
count OF their agricultural value, upon which
the timber has not been cut Can such tracts
be obtained wit in few miles of settlements
or railroad stations, and about what Is the
range IN prices at which they are held? In
quiTies are frequent IN connection with tits
subject, aud particulars regarding quality of
sOll and timber aud accessibility OF such lands
will be very useful
Similar inquiries to tho preceding. affecting
their value Tor farming purposes, and the
prices at which they are held, apply also 10
''stump lands What has been the expert
ence of farmers who have tested the quail ty OF
lands in that mel hboi hood from which pine
| timber has been cut?
Ii there are any State roads which run
| through this territory, ur any portion thereof,
state their direction and the places they traverse
aud connect. What Is the general character of
| the highways
What il the character of the water used in
| the household, and is It easily obtained? What
| ID the u-ual depth of wells?
1t IL desirable to give sUme idea or the length
| OF the seasons. About what time does the
snow usually fall? What is q fairlv-estimst
depth OF snow IN an average winter? Does the
ground freeze to any considcra ole depth e?
| About what time do farmers expect TO begiu
spring plowin-2 Ii + cord Is CONVENIENT,
| stale average range of the thermometer for
| the winter and summer months
WHAT Is the general charscte of the popula-
! ton, and where did the settlers maiuiy come
| from2
wha, is the general condition OF the public
| schools?
| What are the prevailing diseases?
Are there any local industries besides farm
/ my carried on outslde OF towns and villages
ouch ~ numbering, cutting ties, posts and ee-
| graph poles charcoal burning, etc.-which af-
|
dema cor produce? II 40. specify then.
Ii there such q demand for common labor ~
would justify man IN going 10 that sec iof
in search OF it2 What ale tue usual wages paid
| for such ltbOr2
Mention any facts not suggested herein which
may he interesting or important TO the locality
| described.
These circulars were sent to every
county, in many cases to four or five
persons in the county. and in all case:
to men whose facilities for obtaining in
formation were good and whose reputa
ton for judicial and candid statement
were of the highest They include many
of the pioneers, leading business men
public officers, whose duties and inter
ests have called them TO all parts of tn,
counties in which they reside. Replies
have been received from about half the
counties in the State, including yer,
large proportion OF the newer cues. Al
examination of these reports show tha
the work has been very thoroughly done