4 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



quantity of young plants pulled out was enormous. It is easier to thin, 

 however, than to supply deficiencies. The croj:) never ceased growing 

 from the time the plants appeared until the roots were harvested. I 

 have had the roots grown on this lot analyzed, and they are found to 

 contain exactly the same amount of saccharine matter as the sugar beets, 

 "which were grown on a dilferent location." 



Mr. Pa3^son further states that mangolds under the same circumstances 

 will produce at least thirty-three and one-third per cent, more than 

 sugar beets, and are much the most profitable crop. If sown early they 

 are a sure crop, and if well fed the leaves cover the ground and check 

 the weeds, and Mr. Payson concludes that they will produce more than 

 any other root for the labor that they require. 



Of carrots there were four acres, yielding the enormous crop of 117 

 tons. The Flat turnip crop was also magnificent, but the weight is not 

 given. 



It will be seen that manure is a most important element in the attain- 

 ment of these enormous results. Kot content with the bountiful supply 

 of kelp which is thrown upon the Island, all of which is carefully saved, 

 and composted, or ploughed in when first thrown up, there are also 

 large supplies of manure from the dairy stables and from the piggery. 

 This last is an institution in itself, apparently managed with great skill, 

 economy and success. We are prevented from entering into detail, but 

 it may be well to state that Mi\ Payson attributes his great success in 

 breeding to the use of well-matured sows, having good points, not pre- 

 ferring pure breeds and not oljjecting to breeding in and in. 



"We must pass without notice the hay crop, the onions, the dairy and 

 other items of interest upon the farm ; but it is evident from what has 

 been stated that under the present efficient superintendence, greedily 

 seizing upon all which the sea may give, husbanding every enriching 

 material from the houses, the barns and the piggery, and making a ju- 

 dicious use of these decided advantages, it can but be a work of a few 

 years to transform this bleak and hitherto barren isle into an enormously 

 productive farm. In view of present results, and especially for the crops 

 of mangolds and carrots, your Committee award a gratuity of twenty- 

 five dollars. 



Early in September your Committee visited Mount Hope Cemetery. 

 The writer of this report was not present, andean only state the impres- 

 sions of the Committee. The decided opinion is expressed that the con- 

 dition of the Cemetery is a credit to its SuiDcrintendent, Mr. C. M. At- 

 kinson. Every part of the ground was in good order, the work was ju- 

 diciously done, and the effects were distinct and striking, especially so at 

 the entrance. 



The finest specimens of the ribbon style of arranging colors in plants, 

 were here to be seen. This feature was noticed with decided commen- 



