20 



MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION' BULLETIN 447 



Bogs from which vines are cut recover much faster if the cuttings are taken 

 before growth starts. Experienced growers often refuse to cut vines for sale 

 after the new growth appears. If the cuttings have a lot of new growth, much 

 of it is likeh' to die, and further growth will be slow for a time if it does. One 

 who bu\ s such vines cheats himself b\ pa\ ing for much unnecessary bulk. 



If many vines are set in a bunch, those in the center die and are wasted. Two 

 or three to a hill are enough. The\ must be pushed well into the sand but need 

 not go into the peat beneath, for most of their roots will grow in the sand (Fig. 16). 

 A wooden or iron dibble is used to press them in (Fig. 17). They need not stick 

 up from the sand more than an inch. It often pays to hire professional vine 

 setters. 



Bogs are sometimes planted by scattering the cuttings along the ground and 

 discing them in. This saves labor but wastes planting material. Such plantings 

 do well. 



Fig. 17. Dibble for Planting Cuttings. It is eight to ten inches long. 



PRESENT COST OF BUILDING CRANBERRY BOGS 



Cost per Acre 



Land - S 10 - $ 100 



Clearing, ditching, turfing, grading, and sanding 800 - 1800 



Ten barrels of vines at SIO per barrel - - 100 - 100 



Planting vines -■ - 50 - 200 



Incidentals (tools, dams, head-gates, buildings, etc.) 400 - 800 



Total S1360 - $3000 



The cost depends on the natural conditions and location of the swamp, on the 

 ability and experience of the man who oversees the work, and on wages. A good 

 bog, well located and built, planted with the right varieties, and given good care, 

 should be nearly permanent. There are bogs on the Cape ninety years old and 

 still in good condition. To own and properly manage a cranberry property 

 requires a considerable mvestment and special experience which it takes years to 

 acquire. 



