An American Savanna

 “The monotonous landscape ceases near Ann Arbor; and here the country becomes more interesting as one approaches the high plateau.  The dense forests disappear and lakes surrounded by pretty hills and parklike woods, which the Americans call "oak openings" meet the traveler’s eye… where the trees stand a few paces apart and where the ground is overgrown with luxurious grasses.  Passage is obstructed neither by bushes or by fallen trees.  Small knolls alternate with lovely little valleys…No park laid out by human hands could compare with this natural setting.”