446 ANNUAL REPORT 



may not have been reached; as to this fact, however, time and ex- 

 perience alone will determine. A period of ten years is n one too great, 

 in my opinion, to ascertain fully in regard to this matter. 



Some marshes prove to be superior to others and produce fruit 

 almost spontaneously among the mossy roots, rubbish, etc., but when 

 the conditions change and the underlying substratum fails to provide 

 the required nutriment it may result in a necessary abandonment of 

 the marsh. 



Many seem to entertain the idea that it is all clear gain in cran- 

 berry culture, and there are enormous profits to be realized within a 

 period of three or four years at most. If, however, they engage in 

 the occupation and no results are realized, they become discouraged, 

 without taking into consideration the conditions and methods of suc- 

 cess. It should be borne in mind that where one succeeds there are 

 perhaps fifty who make a failure. I do not advise anyone to engage 

 in this business unless he is able to experiment in a thorough and 

 systematic manner, whether successful or not. 



I have been told that I was very foolish to stick to this "old cran- 

 berry swamp," and to work and expend all the money I could get 

 when I never could make it amount to anything. These theories 

 have not, however, discouraged me from continuing my efforts. I 

 feel confident I have passed the most diflScult point, and am more and 

 more encouraged each season. 



My marsh is now well subdued, is in good form, occupying about 

 one hundred acres. Have about three inches fall, affording ample 

 means to dispose of surplus water, and, by the use of an upper gate, 

 an ample supply of water when needed. 



A marsh may possess nine points of excellence, and one undesirable 

 feature may overbalance them all. Some peat is too soft, some too 

 hard, some too wet, some to dry; again the water may injure the 

 vines. Where a marsh has had only rain water upon it, and it is re- 

 placed with mineral water, it may prove disastrous, or the reverse. 

 Much damage may be done by a novice using too much or too little 

 water, as it must be used at proper times and in sufficient quantities 

 for the purposes required. I find the injury when it occurs, increases 

 usually in a ten-fold ratio. 



I met a man below St. Francis some years since, who said he drew 

 the water from his vines about June 15th, but could give no reason 

 whatever, as to warmth, drouth, or fertilization. 



The season here being of short duration between killing frosts, it 

 requires finer manipulation than where seasons are longer. I have ex- 



