p. 294

Jefferson Co.
304

Whitewater and Scupernong, which are prairie. Within the timbered district there is a remarkable series of ridges running north and south, and crossed by the United States road. In a distance of about nine miles, extending through range fifteen and the west half of fourteen the road crosses no less than sixteen of these parallel ridges and intervening valleys, averaging therefore about half a mile apart. There is usually a narrow swamp between them covered with black ash or tamarack trees. They extend from two to five miles in a north and south direction and are gradually attenuated at each extremity. Along Bark river, immediately south of these ridges there are some extensive marshes which once probably formed the bottom of a large lake. Other portions of Jefferson county are more gently rolling or level. There is much excellent farming land in this county, especially along the rivers; and Rock river valley maintains here, the high reputation [to] which [she] it [is] so deservedly has farther south.