101 



REMARKS ON THE CULTIVATION OF CRANBERRIES. 



BY REV. C. C. SEW ALL. 



The Cranberry is universally regarded as one of the most val- 

 uable and delicious fruits. Its general use and ready sale have 

 made it an important article of commerce. Its cultivation re- 

 quires no large outlay of expense, and is attended with no more 

 difficulties or disappointments than are common to all fruit cul- 

 ture, while its harvest is, ordinarily, one of the most remunerative 

 of all the products of the farm. 



There are many acres in this county already devoted to the 

 growth of this fruit. The estimated value of the crop for the last 

 year, 1855, was greater than that of either of the small grains, — 

 oats, rye, barley and wheat, — or than that of any vegetable pro- 

 duction except potatoes. But it is believed that the quantity and 

 value of this fruit may be increased very largely, without impov- 

 erishing our farms, or endangering the profitable sale of the arti- 

 cle in the market. 



We are reluctantly compelled to defer any particular descrip- 

 tion of several extensive cranberry meadows, which were visited 

 by us during the past summer. Of one in particular, situated 

 in Franklin, which has been planted and nurtured with great 

 care, and now affords the best promise of large returns, we shall 

 hope to be able to give a full account when the result of the ex- 

 periment is completely established. Of another, OAvned by Captain 

 Tucker of Canton, and familiarly known as the " Punkapoag 

 Meadow," we shall here only state that it exceeds in extent 

 and value any within our knowledge, and is yet capable of being 

 greatly enlarged, by the removal of the coarse grass and low 

 bushes which obstruct the growth of the vines. This process the 

 owner is gradually effecting, and will have, when it is completed, 

 a bed of cranberry vines covering forty acres or more. It is not 

 many years since any systematic endeavors to increase and pre- 

 serve the crop were commenced. Indeed, it is a well authenti- 

 cated tradition, that a large portion of the meadow had been the 

 fishing ground of men not long since deceased. The soil is ex- 

 ceedingly moist, and by a slight pressure of the foot a large area 



