CULTURE OF THE CRANBERRY. 33 



is great sometimes, saving the fruit-bud of the cranberry; 

 but the effect of water for several months upon the vine pro- 

 duces an unnatural tenderness of the plant, which will not 

 withstand the effects of heat and cold when suddenly drained 

 off in spring time ; and the bud is oftener destroyed than pro- 

 tected. 



Cranberries that have grown upon a sandy soil, and have 

 received the sun and air, are generally ripened, and fit to be 

 gathered, from the 10th to the 20th of September. They 

 should be picked by the hand, and spread upon floors, in 

 buildings where the air freely circulates, six or eight inches 

 in depth, to remain until endangered by freezing ; and then, 

 after winnowing, and separating the dry and unsound fruit, 

 they may be put in barrels, and placed in a dry and cool 

 cellar, it being the best method for keeping the fruit. 



