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ie 198 PHOMPSON'S COAST PILOT. During the years 1860 and 1861, the waters of Lake Superior fell about two inches. annually, making a fall of four inches since 1859, at which period they were at theit highest point. ' During the winter of 1861-'62, there fell at Marquette are four fat and, two inches of snow, being about one-quarter the usual amount; and for the spring months of 1862, there fell only five in- ches of moisture, being about one-half the usual quantity. These well- authenticated and. singular facts, continued to July, 1862, show that the waters of Lake Superior at Marquette are twenty inches lower than they were in 1861, thus showing an unusual depression in 'the waters of this great, inland sea. _ ! "When these interesting observations shall have been extended over: a longer period. and at different stations, they will, no doubt, solve the mystery which has heretofore involved the annual and per- iodical rise and fall of these great waters in obscurity. : A careful survey of the great lakes by a corps of engineers at- tached to the Topographical Bureau is now nearly completed, which will give meteorological results and tidal observations of the greatest importance to the mariner, agriculturist, and*intelligent traveler. MAR QUnTTs, The county seat of Marquette county, and a port of entry, i advantageously situated on the Bay of Marquette, in north lat. 68 32', west long. 87° 41'. The harbor is safe and commodious, being fully protected from all but northeast winds, when vessels are obliged _ to anchor in the bay for safety. The settlement of Marquette was commenced in July, 1849, and incorporated aya villagein J une, 1859. It now contains a court-house and jail; 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist, I Presbyterian, 1 Baptist, and: 1 Roman Catholic church ; 4 public houses--the Marquette House and Tremont House being the most frequented by strangers; 2 printing offices; 15 or 20 stores and storehouses ; besides a large number of machine shops of different kinds. Population in 1860, 1,665. This flourishing town is identified with the iron ore ee in the vicinity, being some 12 or 18 miles distant, situated on an elevated ridge being known as the Iron Mountain. Here are now three ore beds extensively and profitably worked, being owned by the Jackson