264 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



There are parts of the island which present fine intervals for 

 cultivation. Lands reclaimed from salt marsh or from fresh 

 bogs, have been made productive of good crops of grass and 

 grain ; or, are devoted to the growth of cranberries or other 

 small fruits. An enterprise of great importance and value was 

 commenced here a few years ago, by which a large tract of 

 almost barren land has been covered with a comparatively dense 

 and vigorous growth of pitch-pine trees. Our conviction is 

 strengthened by all observation and reflection, that, with similar 

 application of capital and good judgment, a great part of the 

 island, — once the common range of large flocks of sheep, and 

 still open and undivided, and nearly useless, — might be covered 

 with different sorts of trees, affording an abundant supply of 

 fuel and timber, and protecting the dwellings and gardens of 

 the citizens from the bleak winds that sweep over them from 

 the ocean. 



The fact that, in dredging the harbor of Nantucket, a few 

 years ago, a submarine forest was discovered, portions of which 

 were buried four feet below the sand, authorizes the belief that 

 the island was formerly covered with wood ; and suggests the 

 inquiry whether its soil may not still be capable of sustaining a 

 similar growth of oak, maple and cedar trees. The bottoms 

 of ponds and valleys, also, afford evidence of a former burden 

 of heavy wood. Now if sheep-husbandry is absolutely aban- 

 doned here, we know of no better way to restore the value 

 of this barren soil than by the planting and growth of trees. 



Nantucket has probably suffered more extensively from 

 commercial derangements and devastating fires, and from depop- 

 ulation and general depression of enterprise, than any other part 

 of the Commonwealth. Once the seat of heavy capital and of 

 extensive operations in commerce and navigation, her streets 

 thronged with a busy population, her wharves occupied by 

 many large ships, or crowded with cargoes unladen from those 

 ships, and bearing in every direction marks of industry, enter- 

 prise and wealth, she is now comparatively stripped of all that 

 then contributed to her prosperity and fame, except the riches 

 of her citizens in sterling principles, in social elevation and 

 refinement, and in a regard for the great interests of education 

 and virtue. 



