220 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



This subject has hardly attracted the attention that it de- 

 serves. Some years ago, — I think it was as early as 1872, — 

 I was called upon to advise as to the cultivation of some trees 

 on the island of Nantucket, having gone there for some pur- 

 poses connected with my business. After looking the place 

 over, and observing the character of the soil and its exposure 

 to the raking winds of the Atlantic, I advised the cultivation 

 of the European larch. Some one else saw the people soon 

 afterwards, and had their ear, — they were of that class of 

 people of whom it may be said that those who have their 

 ear last have their judgment ; consequently, they attempted 

 to raise the white pine, and did not meet with very gratify- 

 ing success. They sowed the seed broadcast ; there was no 

 proper cultivation ; they took no especial pains. Anybody 

 who has been to Nantucket and seen those barrens there, 

 knows that the circumstances are not very favorable for suc- 

 cess. With no preparation, they sowed the seed over the 

 land, and the result was a mere thicket of stunted trees. 

 They seemed to squat down for a long time before they could 

 get strength enough to send their shoots into the air. Now, 

 the trees are being cut off. They have decided that tree 

 planting upon Nantucket has not been a success. One gen- 

 tleman, however, at my suggestion, within the last few 

 years, has attempted the introduction of the larch, as I first 

 advised, and when I saw him last spring, he told me that he 

 had had so far very satisfactory success, although the trees 

 were small. I believe if the cultivation of that tree is at- 

 tempted there, they will receive a benefit from it. 



There is another tree the cultivation of which I would 

 reconnnend, and that is the catalpa. It is a quick and tine 

 growing tree and furnishes wood of marvellous durability. 

 It makes fine joiner work, and takes a good finish in cabinet 

 work. I think it will endure in most parts of Massachu- 

 setts. They succeed in making it grow on those bleak 

 plains in the West, and, I believe it can be grown here with 

 success. It has been grown here, but how extensively I do 

 not know. 



I believe that if our farmers would cultivate one or two 

 Russian mulberries about their houses they would derive a 

 great deal of benefit and pleasure from them. They make 



