south of the Wisconsin is somewhat broken, principally by the dividing ridge upon which the road from Madison to Prairie du Chien passes. In this section, known as the Mines, are several peculiar elevations called Mounds. West of the Wisconsin River is a range of high hills, being the only elevations in the state either deserving or assuming the dignity of mountains. The south-eastern portion of the state is marked by ravines at the streams, but little depressed below the surrounding level. Its prominent features are the prairie, destitute of tree or shrub, covered only by a luxuriant growth of grass, interspersed with flowers of every hue; the oak opening, the lake, the woodland on the border of streams, and the natural meadow. Proceeding north, to the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, and Green Bay, the timber increases, and the soil gradually changes from the vegetable mould of the prairie to a sandy loam. The surface also becomes somewhat depressed and uneven, diversified with timber, rolling prairie, large marshes, and extensive swamps, having an abundant growth of cranberries and wild rice. Still north and west the surface becomes more uneven, and the streams rapid, affording an abundance of water power for the manufacture of lumber from the immense forests of evergreen scarcely surpassed on the western continent.

The soil of the prairie consists of a dark brown vegetable mould, from one to two feet in depth, very mellow, and entirely destitute of stone or gravel, and, for fertility and agricultural properties, cannot be surpassed.

The subsoil is a clayish loam, similar to the soil of the timbered lands, and is also suitable for cultivation. The soil of the timbered land is less rich than the prairie, not so deep, and contains less carbonate of lime, which enters into the composition of the latter in the proportion of from 20 to 40 per cent. The mining region, unlike that of any other mineral district, promises a liberal reward, as well to the farmer as to the miner. The soil of the evergreen district is mostly sandy, and not so rich as in other portions of the state. It is nevertheless well adapted to agriculture and grazing. The prairies of Wisconsin are not so extensive as those of other states, and are so skirted and belted by timber, that they are well adapted to immediate and profitable occupation. The openings, which comprise a large portion of the finest land in the state, owe their present condition to the action of the annual fires which have kept under all other forest growth, except those varieties of oak which can withstand the sweep of that element. The annual burning of an exuberant growth of grasses and of underbrush has been adding, perhaps for ages, to the productive power of the soil, and preparing it for the ploughshare. It is the great fact, nature has thus "cleared up" Wisconsin to the hand of the settler, and enriched it by yearly burnings, and has at the same time left sufficient timber on the ground for fence and fire wood, that explains, in a great measure, the capacity it has exhibited, and is now exhibiting, for rapid settlement and early maturity. There is another fact important to be

noticed in this connection. The low, level prairie, or natural meadow, of moderate extent, is so generally distributed over the face of the country, that the settler on a fine section of arable land finds on his own farm, or in his immediate neighborhood, abundant pasturage for his stock in summer on the open range; and hay for the winter for the cutting-the bounty of Nature supplying his need in this behalf till the cultivated grasses may be introduced and become sufficient for his use.

AGRICULTURE.

There were in this state, in 1855, 1,200,000 acres of, improved land, and 2,000,000 acres of unimproved land, in farms. Cash value of farms, $30,000,000. Value of implements and machinery, $2,000,000. Value of live stock, $5,000,000.

The wheat crop of 1855 was 11,000,000 bushels; rye, 100,000; corn, 2,250,000; oats, 4,000,000; barley, 225,000; buckwheat, 100,000; peas and beans, 25,000; potatoes, 1,700,000; sweet potatoes, 900 bushels. Products of the orchard, $5500. Products

of market gardens, $40,000.

Pounds of butter made, 4,000,000; of cheese, 425,000; maple sugar, 700,000. Molasses, 10,000 gallons. Pounds of wool produced, 300,000; tobacco, 1500; hay, 300,000 tons.

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

Numerous internal improvements are in progress. The most important yet undertaken is that for improving the navigation of Wisconsin and Fox Rivers. This work is prosecuted by authority of Congress, half a million acres of the public lands having been appropriated for the purpose. Steamboat navigation between Lake Michigan, via Green Bay and the Mississippi, is secured by the improvement of Fox River, and the completion of a canal to Lake Winnebago. A railroad connects Milwaukie with the Mississippi; and convenient plank roads run into the interior from many places on the lake.

By reason of its contact with Lake Michigan, and the waters thereto adjacent, together with its extensive means of inland navigation, Wisconsin enjoys great commercial facilities. On the margin of the above lake lies Milwaukie, the most thriving and populous town in the state, which has sprung into being and importance, almost magically, within a very few years, and has rapidly become the centre of a vast amount of trade. Possessing the best harbor between Green Bay and Chicago, it is the chosen resort of most of the steamers from Buffalo and other ports on Lake Erie, thus commanding a controlling interest in the entire business of the state. Madison, the capital, is situated on a beautiful elevation, midway between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi, with both of which it has di

rect communication by means of a series of streams on either side.

The principal places in the state are Madison, the capital, Milwaukie, Racine, Kenosha, Osaukee, Green Bay, Jamesville, and Prairie du Chien. There were in January, 1854, 4 railroads in the state, with 178 miles of road finished and in operation, and 200 in course of construction; also, 10 banks with a cash capital of $600,000.

Other roads are contemplated in Wisconsin, especially

one to extend from the termination of the Fond du