136 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



CRANBERRY MEADOWS. 



MARSHFIELD. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



Many of the swamps of Massachusetts are well adapted to the 

 cultivation of cranberries, which constitute both a luxury and 

 a wholesome diet. Nearly all persons purchase more or less of 

 them, since they have ascertained their beneficial effects. We 

 believe the demand will increase so as to keep pace with the 

 supply, even if we raise as many as we can on our swamp lands 

 and bogs. 



It is important that the nature of soils in which the cranberry 

 will most easily grow should be considered by those who turn 

 their attention to its culture. We would recommend peat 

 bottom,* as peat, fine sand, water and air are the most impor- 

 tant elements the cranberry feeds upon. Fine sand stands first 

 for a top-dressing ; it partly subdues the wild grass, and a heavy 

 dressing, say four inches deep, will ward off white frost. 



In making experiments, the best and richest soils are gener- 

 ally selected ; hence the failures. If the vines are planted in 

 good, rich soil, they will do well, apparently, but will not bear 

 fruit. Manuring is wholly out of the question. Clay and marl 

 are totally unfit for the cranberry cultivation. 



It is possible that the cranberry cultivator may select good 

 soil, plant vines, and fail. If the healthy vine is not chosen, 

 the result will be a failure. It is necessary that the inexperi- 

 enced should have some knowledge of the vines he is about to 

 purchase. The healthy vine (in speaking of the healthy vine 

 we mean that which is the most fruitful,) presents an appear- 

 ance of greenish brown on the leaf, the spears and runners are 

 fine, thin and wiry. They seem of stunted growth. The 

 unhealthy (barren vine) appears much brighter and stronger ; 

 hence many are apt to be deceived. 



A surer way of selecting good vines is, when the fruit is 

 nearly ripe go to the meadow where the vines are for sale 



* Notwithstanding the good development of the cranbeiTy vine wlien set 

 into peat bottom, it should not be planted until the peat has been exposed 

 to the frost and air one year. 



