“ Mineral Production.—Minnesota's high rank as a mineral producing State comes entirely from its iron production. In this it ranks first. There was shipped from the mines of the State in 1918, 43,263,240 tons of iron ore, valued at $144,706,532. The larger part of the production comes from the Mesabi Range, which is the most important iron-producing district in the world. Production was begun in this field in 1892 and has steadily increased. The output from the Vermilion Range has decreased in recent years. The only other important mineral products are clay and stone. ”

“ The top covering of the land known as “black dirt” is due to the residuum of prairie fires and accumulations of decayed vegetation. The climate is less rigorous than usual in such latitudes. The winters are long, and the temperature even, with but little snow. Annual rainfall from 20 to 30 inches. The principal forest trees are the oak, beech, elm and maple; spruce, pine, and other coniferous trees; ash, birch, linden, basswood, butternut, wild plum, and crab apple.
Mineralogy.—The N. E. portion of the State is known as the mineral region and is rich in mineral resources. ”

“ The University of Minnesota is a part of the educational system of the State. Other institutions of higher learning are Carleton College, Hamline University, Macalester College, and Gustavus Adolphus College. Albert Lea College is for women only. ”