120 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



It is becoming common, on Cape Cod, for those who are go- 

 ing into the extensive cultivation of the cranberry, to select 

 sandy plats of land, which are to be met with along the sea- 

 shore. These are only protected from the encroachments of the 

 ocean by the high banks, which give to the land below the ap- 

 pearance of a small valley. Recently, Mr. Crowell, of New 

 York, has purchased eight acres of land of this description, in 

 Wellfleet, which is to be prepared and planted over with the 

 cranberry vine. It appears that these hitherto barren wastes 

 will yet, on Cape Cod, be made a source of wealth to those who 

 know how to take the advantage of their adaptation to produce 

 the cranberry. We know of no part of the world which possesses 

 equal facilities, natural and acquired, with Cape Cod, and her 

 inhabitants, for the cultivation of this famous fruit. 



If we consider the soils which are to be found on Cape Cod, 

 it will be seen at once, that in this respect we are highly favored. 

 Our beach sand and peat are proved to be the best soils for the 

 perfect development of the cranberry. From Barnstable to 

 Provincetown there are tracts of land, and swamps, which, so 

 far as the question of soil is concerned, are all that could be de- 

 sired. And these can, at a moderate expense, be appropriated 

 to the cultivation of the cranberry. It seems, at present, that 

 Cape Cod is destined to be the finest cranberry garden in the 

 world. 



IV. Vines claim a Passing Word. It is somewhat difficult 

 to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy vines. Even the 

 most experienced are liable to be deceived in the selection of 

 vines in the winter, if they know not how they bore in the sum- 

 mer ; they are almost as sure to be misled as one who is just 

 about to begin the cultivation of the cranberry. 



The barren vine appears stouter ; and stronger than the fruit- 

 ful one, their spears are thicker than those which produce the 

 most fruit. This strong and healthy appearance of the vine, 

 by some, is regarded as a sign of their barrenness. In selecting 

 vines for transplanting, there is one of two courses which can 

 be followed to advantage : First, confidence in the individual 

 of whom we purchase. If he is a trustworthy person, his word 

 can be taken, and he would feel no pleasure in deceiving even 



