BEACH SAND AS A MULCH. 165 



crop. The best and most productive vines are usually found on the edges of 

 the bogs where the sand was removed to the depth of several feet in grading. 

 In such situations there is no peat or mud, but the water contains sufficient 

 material, in solution, to promote the growth of the plants. In such situations 

 guano and other fertilizers have a good effect." The descriptions here given 

 of the natural cranberry marshes of Massachusetts, would apply equally to 

 those of the eastern shore of Lake Michigan where the bogs are surrounded by 

 ridges of sand thrown up by the action of the wind and the waves. They are 

 located very conveniently for spreading over the bogs and marshes rendering 

 them exactly adapted for the production of the cranberry. 



AVe have thus brought together the experience of fruit-growers and foresters 

 in the extreme west, the extreme east and of the intermediate point in which 

 Michigan is more immediately interested, and it all tells the same story, proving 

 that although beach sand is one of those common blessings within our reach, 

 which are apt to be overlooked on account of their cheapness and the ease with 

 which they may be obtained, an intelligent appreciation of its value and proper 

 application produce the most beneficial results in increasing the fertility and 

 productiveness of the soil and the thrifty growth of trees and vines that would 

 otherwise suffer from drouth. 



