284 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



CRANBERRIES. 



NORFOLK. 



Remarks on the Cultivation of Cranberries. — By Rev. C. C. 



Sewall. 



The cranberry is universally regarded as one of the most val- 

 uable and delicious fruits. Its general use and ready sale have 

 made it an important article of commerce. Its cultivation 

 requires no large outlay of expense, and is attended with no 

 more difliculties or disappointments than are common to all fruit 

 culture, while its harvest is, ordinarily, one of the most remu- 

 nerative of all the products of the farm. 



There are many acres in this county already devoted to the 

 growth of this fruit. The estimated value of the crop for the 

 last year, 1855, was greater than that of either of the small 

 grains, — oats, rye, barley and wheat, — or than that of any veg- 

 etable production except potatoes. But it is believed that the 

 quantity and value of this fruit may be increased very largely, 

 without impoverishing our farms, or endangering the profitable 

 sale of the article in the market. 



We are reluctantly compelled to defer any particular descrip- 

 tion of several extensive cranberry meadows, which were visited 

 by us during the past summer. Of one in Franklin, planted 

 and nurtured with great care, and now affording the best prom- 

 ise of large returns, we shall give a full account when the result 

 of the experiment is completely established. Of another, owned 

 by Captain Tucker, of Canton, and familiarly known as the 

 " Punkapoag Meadow," we shall here only state that it exceeds in 

 extent and value any within our knowledge, and is yet capable 

 of being greatly enlarged, by the removal of the coarse grass 

 and low bushes which obstruct the growth of the vines. This 

 process the owner is gradually effecting, and will have, when 

 completed, forty acres or more of cranberry vines. It is not 

 many years since any systematic endeavors to increase and pre- 

 serve the crop were commenced. Indeed, it is a well authenti- 

 cated tradition, that a large portion of the meadow was the 



