p. 639

The summit level between the waters of Lake Michigan and Rock River is in the west part of this county three hundred and sixteen feet above the level of Lake Michigan, and this is probably the lowest point in the dividing ridge between those waters in this Territory, except the portage. By passing up the Menomonee river and across the head branches of the Pishtaka which are but little depressed below the general surface of the country a rail road may reach this summit by a very gradual ascent-and the descent to Rock river is still more uniform. The valleys of the Menomonee and Bark rivers approach each other at the north (almost encirculing the head waters of the Pishtaka) [apparently] as if for the [express] purpose of inviting improvement by canal or rail road. By this route the objection against this improvement on account of its having to cross deep vallies, and over high dividing ridges between is entirely avoided. Some of the hills in the west part of the county are probably five hundred feet above the level of Lake Michigan.

367