78. ANNUAL REPORT. 
ders those bottoms which were liable to frosts far less. liable. We 
are confident that we run no hazard in predicting that when the cran- 
berry shall be properly cultivated here, we shall be able to produce a 
larger, sounder and better flavored berry than has yet been seen in 
the Eastern markets. The perfect maturity of the fruit is seldom at- 
tained elsewhere, but we think it will be here. 
The extraordinary profits of the business is a strong inducement 
to invest capital in it. From the time when cultivation began until 
now, fears have been entertained by some, that the market would 
eventually be overstocked ; but instead of this being true, the demand 
has kept far in advance of the supply. Experience, however, has 
proved, that when the market price of any commodity exceeds a rea- 
sonable limit, the people will abstain from its use. The production 
of this fruit might be multiplied manifold, without bringing the mar- 
ket price much below the average of the past few years. Even were 
the price redaced fifty per cent., what product is there which mother 
earth is capable of yielding, which will compare with this for profit- 
ableness? A friend of mine, on an outlay of $225, realized, the third 
year, an income of $600. Another on an outlay of $400 in preparing 
an acre, realized $1,000 a year for several years in succession. The 
first named friend, in discussing the prospect of an overstocked mar- 
ket, remarked that if he could be sure of $6 per barrel, he knew of 
no business that he could engage in which would pay as well as cul- 
tivating cranberries. Here in Minnesota, the native soil of this fruit, 
the market is so poorly supplied, that but few of the people can af- 
ford to use it freely. They rank among the luxuries of life, which 
are beyond the reach of the majority. In view of these facts, the 
parties most interested in the production will not regret to see the 
price brought down to astandard more in accordance with the means 
of the people. A fruit so delicious and healthy, so easily produced 
and kept as this, ought to be cultivated to such an extent that all 
the admirers of it can afford its constant use. 
In addition to the constantly increasing home consumption, the 
item of cheap transportation to other markets is worthy of our con- 
sideration. 
No sane person will dispute the unparalleled commercial advan- 
tages of Minnesota. ‘‘ Occupying the exact centre of this continent, 
and constituting the watershed of its eastern half, the steam naviga- 
tion of three great internal water systems terminate here, namely: 
The Mississippi river, northward from the Gulf of Mexico; the Red 
River of the North, southward from Hudson’s Bay; and the St. Law- 
rence river and chain of great lakes westward from the Atlantic 
ocean,” These water lines, fed by our admirable net work of rail- 
roads, afford outlets for the products of manufactories and agricul- 
ture not exceeded, if equalled, by any community of our vast coun- 
try. The wheat producers of Minnesota are thus enabled to com- 
pete with farmers who by lineal distance are much nearer the great 
markets. Whatever can be properly urged on this point, in favor of 
any other product, may be urged in favor of the cranberry. At the 
rates of flour and wheat, we can raise, pack and transport cranber- 
ries to New York as cheaply at least as the Cape Cod growers Can. 
Without doubt, whenever the attention of our people shall be suifi- 
