144 ^^^^ Gardens of the Chesapeake, 



and in part with peaches, pkims, and apricots from these islands, and 

 the produce is generally carried \x\. ^ungies — small sail-boats, peculiar 

 to the Chesapeake. The inhabitants, with few exceptions, follow 

 oyster and clam fishing as a business; and only devote their attention to 

 fruit and vegetables during the four months of the year, beginning with 

 May, when the shell-fish are not in a condition for use. 



To illustrate the capacity of the islands, we will mention that on one 

 containing less than three hundred acres exists a population of one 

 hundred and fifty-eight souls. The island is divided into about thirty 

 farms, of one eighth of an acre to ten acres each, which are worth, at 

 an average valuation, three hundred dollars per acre — a sw^amp and bit 

 of pine wood inclusive. The most valuable land, however, is that on 

 the shore, covered by water, and suitable for oyster planting. This 

 " real estate " is valued at one thousand dollars and upwards per acre. 



All the families on this island appeared to be in comfortable circum- 

 stances, and several were considered wealthy, all having obtained their 

 means chiefly from the products of the island and the surrounding waters. 



It is no prophecy to say that in a short period these islands will be 

 the gardens from which the markets of Philadelphia and New York 

 will be supplied with the finest vegetables and best fruits. The regular 

 steamers that trade between the southern ports and New York now 

 touch at Cherrystone for freights of oysters, and such vegetables and 

 fruits as the rude cultivation may supply. Intelligent labor only is 

 needed in order to render them the most productive and profitable 

 gardens in America. 



