312 PLYMOUTH SOCIETY. 



correct opinion, has been, that much water contributes to the 

 vigor and fruitfuhiess of cranberry vines. Now it is contended, 

 that these berries may be easily raised in any of our gardens. 

 There may be an upland cranberry, that will flourish in almost 

 any soil ; but the common, found in low meadows, we think 

 never does well, without the aid of much water. It may not 

 be necessary, that water should often pass over the vines ; if 

 the roots reach it in plenty, the required nutriment will be im- 

 parted. Hence, we can have fine beds of cranberries on upland, 

 where the springs come so near the surface, the roots can luxu- 

 riate in water. We think the soil on which Mr. Hathaway is ex- 

 perimenting, not moist enough for the health of the vines. Messrs. 

 Smith and Richardson have selected more eligible situations. It 

 is yet too early, to estimate the comparative merits of the experi- 

 ments, by the amount of fruit produced. Judging, as we must, to 

 some extent, by the care and correctness of the applicants, in 

 detailing their several operations, we can have no hesitancy in 

 recommending the award of the first premium, ten dollars, to 

 L. Smith, and the second, of seven dollars, to L. Richards. 



Should the trustees think proper to hold out continued en- 

 couragement to the culture of this fruit, it would be well to 

 require each experiment made on a certain quantity of land. 

 Operations on one or two rods of land, are not likely to pro- 

 duce results, which would justify a recommendation of similar 

 operations on an extensive scale. Though at present possessed 

 of very little knowledge on the subject, we cannot reasonably 

 doubt the practicability of greatly improving this fruit, in quan- 

 tity and quality, by cultivation. The growing demand for the 

 article, at home and abroad, may justify continued and liberal 



encouragement. 



MORRILL ALLEN, 



For Committee on Imjpj-ovements. 



Libbeus SmitlVs Statem^ent. 



I commenced operations, for the culture of the cranberry, in 

 the spring of 1846. As the premium was offered for the best 



