108 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



will thrive upon a great deal of gravel very slightly sandwiched 

 with peat. As yet, however, ho has received but a meagre 

 return in fruit for all his years of toil. His vines look well, and 

 annually, in the early part of the season, gite promise of yield- 

 ing well, a promise thus far unfulfilled at harvest time, the 

 worms, frost and rot, the latter especially, making sad havoc 

 with his crops. 



For the prevalence of the rot here, neither cause nor remedy 

 is known. Experts are fertile in suggestions ; but they can 

 only suggest, not demonstrate. One thinks it may be owing 

 to excess of moisture ; but many natural meadows, not as dry 

 as this, produce abundantly and mature their fruit perfectly. 

 Another would find the cause in the want of a free circulation 

 of air. But known facts, as to both natural and cultivated 

 meadows more completely sheltered than this, are at variance 

 with this theory. Still another suggests some peculiar property 

 in the gravel applied. Tlierc may be something in this sugges- 

 tion, as the gravel used by Mr. Stetson is much coarser than 

 that used in most other instances, and of a different color. It is 

 earnestly to be hoped that those who are preparing cranberry 

 meadows will cause a careful analysis to be made of the sand or 

 gravel with which they are covered, in order that the effect of 

 different mineral substances upon the growth and productiveness 

 of the vines may be ascertained. 



It is recommended that a gratuity of five dollars be paid to 

 Mr. Stetson. 



Mr. Roberts having sold his meadow and no statement having 

 been furnished, the entry is considered as withdrawn. 



In a report on this subject, made by your Supervisor four 

 years ago, the cultivation of cranberries was stated to be a very 

 uncertain business. No good reasons are yet apparent for a 

 different conclusion. Success is more than possible, and when 

 secured the profits are almost fabulous. But the conditions 

 necessary to success are so imperfectly understood that, at' the 

 outset of an experiment, it is virtually a mei-e matter of chance 

 whether it will prove a success or a failure. In proof of this it 

 may, and perhaps should be stated, that neither of the two 

 experiments for which premiums were awarded in 1863, as being 

 the most carefully conducted and as promising the best results, 

 has proved remunerative to any considerable extent ; and the 



