CRANBERRY. 230 



well as that the latter operation should be performed in 

 the best manner. A very little extra expense in packing, 

 or in procuring plants of the best quality, will often be re- 

 paid a hundred fold in the first crop. Cranberry planta- 

 tions are expected to be a permanent investment which 

 shall give annual returns for a lifetime ; it therefore be- 

 comes very important that every precaution should be 

 taken to make it as perfect as possible. 



CULTIVATION. 



For the first two or three seasons the beds should be 

 carefully cultivated, and no weeds or sprouts from brush- 

 roots be permitted to grow. The amount of labor requir- 

 ed is usually far less than with ordinary farm crops, still 

 a constant attention is necessary, so that the plants shall 

 have the full benefit of the entire soil, and not be obliged 

 to combat with weeds, grass, or other impediments. When 

 the plants have gained possession of the whole surface, 

 there will be very little cultivation required. An occa- 

 sional sprout or clump of grass may appear, which it will 

 be necessary to remove. 



APPLYING WATER. 



The water should be let on to the beds at the approach 

 of cold weather, not until the ground begins to freeze, but 

 before it has become frozen hard. The time will vary in 

 different locations, and the cultivator must apply it ac- 

 cording to circumstances, and not be guided by set rules 

 as to time. The beds should be covered, so that the water 

 will be deep enough to prevent freezing the plants. At the 

 North, it should be at least two feet deep, while south of tbe 

 latitude of New York, one foot will ordinarily answer. It 

 should remain upon the beds until the cold weather is past 

 in the spring, when it should be drawn off, leaving it about 

 two inches deep over the surface, until all danger of frost 

 is past. 



