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the best sorts might be tested thoroughly. Then let the various 

 growers compare notes yearly, give the very best sorts each a 

 name and a character to start in the world with, and very great 

 improvement must be the result. 



But there is still another field of operations ; — it is to raise 

 new varieties from seed. It is not necessary to say much on this 

 point. It is something that can be done, and will be done, 

 until substantial advance is made in this as in other fruit, and 

 other agricultural productions. But, pray, Messrs. Cultivators, 

 pray don't impose upon each other, and the more ignorant 

 public, by sending out inferior varieties as worthy of attention. 

 Don't propagate shams. Don't give fictitious characters to any 

 sort, whether good, bad, or indifferent. One who don't fear 

 the outward disgrace of deceiving others and selling humbugs, 

 should still dread to feel the littleness of a mean soul within. 

 Few farmers may need such words — I hope none. Look to 

 the seedlings, then, for time and attention and skill shall make 

 improvements in these, as they have in currants and goose- 

 berries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Room, 

 room, then, for extra nice varieties of cranberries — the 

 Brighton Pines, Hovey's Seedlings, and Scarlet Magnates of 

 the swamps and meadows. 



The marshes and bogs of Essex may yet glow with scarlet 

 and crimson frmt far superior to any that can be gathered from 

 them to-day. 



But one thing more I desire to allude to. It is, the im- 

 portance of adding one more to the staple productions of our 

 County. Some branches of agricultural industry have become 

 less profitable than they were years ago. In grain growing, 

 we cannot compete with the West, even in oiu- own home 

 markets. Neither can we in stock raising. Even dairying is 

 mostly out of our hands. In regard to wool growing, I regret 

 to say that we keep many more dogs than sheep. Even grow- 

 ing vegetables for our city markets is now only profitable to 

 those who live near them. Several other branches of the busi- 

 ness are too much crowded. • Some labor, then, can well be 

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