1858.] SENATE— No. 4. 277 



exhibition, those choice and beautiful articles of their industry 

 and skill, by receiving more liberally of the premiums.* For 

 much of our advancement in agriculture we are indebted to 

 them. 



Without their assistance and co-operation, no agricultural 

 society can be creditably sustained, and, just in proportion as 

 they are interested in any society, is the standing of that society. 



The ball, on the evening of the second day, at the " Pantheon 

 Hall," in which large numbers participated, was a brilliant 

 affair. The music was excellent, the ladies charming, the 

 arrangements good, and every thing in order. Who can object 

 to this pleasant amusement when properly conducted, where 

 all are so joyous and where all are so happy. 



To Capt. Gardner I am indebted for a pleasant ride over the 

 island. We saw some pieces of excellent corn, as good carrots, 

 turnips, beets and onions, in patches of from one-fourth to one- 

 half acre, as I ever saw growing any where. 



Considerable attention is being paid to the cultivation of 

 cranberries. We examined several pieces, all of which are 

 very flourishing, and producing wonderfully. Mr. Edward 

 Chase, from vines planted three years since, has picked this 

 year, from one rod of ground, measured, three bushels and 

 three half pecks. His method of planting is, to clear the 

 ground of all the brush, roots and turf, to the muck or peat, 

 and tlien strew the vines over the surface, and cover with about 

 one inch of sand. May he thinks the best time for planting. 

 Mr. Chase has raised, this year, from one-half acre, sixteen 

 bushels of excell-ent spring wheat, which took the second pre- 

 mium at the State Fair. From one-fourth of an acre, he has 

 picked and sold at Boston this year, 700 boxes of strawberries 

 at thirty-three cents a box. 



I mention these facts to show that this island is not all 

 barren sand; that it will, if properly cultivated, produce as 

 good crops as can be grown anywhere. The land on which 

 this wheat and these strawberries grew, is no better, naturally, 

 and produces no better, than will, if well cultivated, all that 



* Too often is it the case, that articles that have cost much time and labor, 

 articles that are worthy of a high premium, do not so much as even receive 

 honorable mention. These things oujrht not to be. 



