(MO now TO MAKE THE FARM PAY. 



common soil of bogs and marshes. They will run wliollj to 

 vines if the soil is rich. 



PuKi'AHATiox OF SoiL. If the Site selected is the sea-shore, 

 or salt-marsh subject to overflow, a dyke must be built to pre- 

 vent the land being covered with salt water. This can be done 

 by digging a trench about the patch and using the earth thrown 

 out for embanking. After two years' standing to freshen it, it 

 will be ready for planting. If it has not been overflowed by 

 &ilt water, neither the dyke nor the freshening will be neces- 

 sary. If on the shores of a fresh water pond, overflowed in 

 winter and uncovered in summer, you have just the spot needed, 

 without preparation. If on the shores of such a pond, and not 

 overflowed, bring it down as nearly to the water level as may 

 be, and if a stream runs through or near it, that may be used to 

 overflow it. Raise an embankment, and keep it covered with 

 water through the winter. (See Flowing.) If the place selected 

 is a swamp or marsh, commence by digging a drain all around 

 the piece when it is driest, using the earth thrown out as an 

 embankment, and providing an outlet, if possible. This will 

 drain the piece so that the top, to the depth of one foot or more, 

 can be cut ofl'. This is most valuable manure, and well worth 

 removing from your marshes, even if you do not purpose a cran- 

 berry patch. After this is removed, stop up your outlet and 

 flow your patch, if possible. If there is any sand to be had 

 within hauling distance, haul it onto the ice during the winter, 

 and in the spring your patch will be ready for planting. If the 

 sand is not handy, let it stand a year, and the action of the 

 weather will disintegrate it; otherwise it will not be fit for 

 planting. If possible, plow and harrow it. 



Planting. The plants can be set either in the fall or spring. 

 If the ground can be plowed through the winter we prefer fall 

 planting, otherwise we delay until spring; for if not plowed the 



