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tested his own directions ; but the essay has intrinsic evidence 

 that his knowledge is not merely theoretic, or derived from 

 books, but that he understands, practically, the almost new art 

 of cranberry culture. 



With regard to the use of water in overflowing and protect- 

 ing cranberry beds, we doubt whether, in practice, it will be 

 found possible to apply to the extent which the essay seems to 

 contemplate ; and we are glad to know that some of the most 

 prolific natural cranberry meadows are never overflowed. 



The price which this fruit always bears will offer ample in- 

 ducements to all who possess land in any degree suitable ; and 

 with this essay for a guide, it may be entered upon with every 

 prospect of success. 



JEREMIAH SPOrrOED, Chairman. 



A PLEA FOR THE BIRDS, ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR 

 UTILITY TO AGRICULTURE. 



BY WILSON FLAGG. 



It may seem strange to some of our readers that there is a 

 necessity, in the present enlightened age, to enter into a course 

 of argument to prove the utility of birds to agriculture ; they 

 may be still more surprised to learn that the greatest enemies 

 of the birds are among those classes whose occupation would 

 be ruined, if they were for a single year wholly deprived of 

 their services. We are accustomed to plead for the birds as 

 beautiful and interesting objects, that deserve protection for 

 their own sake, while we overlook their importance in the 



