156 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



lots, as it always injures the vines and berries. Another desir- 

 able place for cultivating cranberries, is where a reservoir can 

 be made above the lot, so as to flow it at any time and in about 

 two hours ; and, if desirable, be able to let it off in about the 

 same time. If we watch the thermometer, and let the water on 

 when there are any indications of a frost, we shall in that way 

 save the berries, when otherwise they would be destroyed. It 

 requires skill and judgment, however, to know how long to 

 keep the water on, in the different stages of the growth of vine 

 and berry. If it is in warm weather, do not keep the water on 

 long enough to soften the berries, so the hot sun will destroy 

 them. It is impossible for us to lay down any rule ; skill and 

 judgment must guide us in a great measure. Let us, the mem- 

 bers of the Marshfield Agricultural Society, try to enlarge each 

 others' knowledge in regard to husbandry of all kinds, for we 

 are all aware that agriculture forms the most permanent riches 

 of a nation, for we can eat neither golden bread nor golden 

 butter. 



Israel H. Sherman, Chairman. 



FARM IMPLEMENTS. 



WORCESTER NORTH. 



From the Report of the Committee. 

 The Committee on " Farm Implements " would report : That 

 having first examined the list of implements for which premiums 

 were offered, we found there was no prize to be awarded to the 

 first and most important one now in use ; to wit, the plough. 

 Although improvements, within the last few years, have been 

 made in this department, yet we have seen nothing at our 

 " ploughing exhibitions " that supersedes, for good work, that 

 of the " old double Michigan." Now that still greater improve- 

 ments should be made in this as well as in all other farming 

 utensils, greater inducements should be offered by way of prizes, 

 and the Committee should judge of their merits or demerits by 

 the work they are capable of doing. No man or committee can 

 properly deal out justice even-handed without a fair trial of 



