110 



ed with water during the warmer season, of sufficient depth, it 

 will kill out all vegetation, thus preparing the soil very cheaply 

 for the vine. 



Again, if there are substances that cannot be eradicated by 

 water or by spreading sand, the surface soil may be removed, 

 putting on sand in its place, but the operation is somewhat ex- 

 pensive, and the surface soil being more congenial to the growth 

 of the cranberry it should be, if possible, retained. 



As there are many varieties of the cranberry growing in this 

 region, it is important that those vines be selected that are 

 fruitful, producing large berries, early to ripen and of good 

 color. The importance of a flood-gate to prevent by water the 

 destruction by tbe worm and the frosts of June and September 

 upon the cranberry, can hardly be overrated in this locality. 

 The advantage of flowing during the freezing months, when 

 the weather is uncommonly cold and severe are good, ofttimes, 

 in saving the fruit hud of the cranberry, but the effect of water 

 for several months upon the vine produces an unnatural tender- 

 ness of the plant which will not withstand the effects of heat 

 and cold when suddenly drained off in springtime, and the hud 

 is oftener destroyed than protected. 



Cranberries that have grown upon a sandy soil, and have re- 

 ceived the sun and air, are generally ripened and fit to be 

 gathered from the 10th to the 20th of September, They should 

 be picked by the hand and spread upon floors in buildings, 

 where the air freely circulates, six or eight inches in depth, to 

 remain until endangered by freezing, and then after winnow- 

 ing and separating the dry and unsound fruit, they may be put 

 in barrels and placed in a dry and cool cellar, it being the best 

 method for keeping the fruit. Respectfully submitted, 



H. A. Stiles. 



