PREPARIXG THE GROUXU. 



41 



this method, that the tiirf \)Q padced in the pits as tighily 

 as possible, to gtiard against settling. 



Sand from beneath muck is free from seeds of weeds, 

 etc. The line conld be traced between the sand from be- 

 low, and that from along the shore by the growth of 

 weeds upon the latter. 



Mr. Poinsetts* plan is less expensive, since neither 

 sand nor turf is to be carried so far. One htmdred dol- 

 lars per acre were paid for removing the ttirf and spreading 

 oil sand two inches in thickness. AVhen the turf is thus 

 disposed of, a surrounding wooden fence must be built. 



The summer months are most favorable for ]^reparing 

 cranberry ground : since as there is but little water to in- 

 terfere at that time, the work may be pushed fo/ward 

 rapidly. From the 1st of December to the 25th of jiarch 

 bog work cannot usually be performed economically, on 

 account of the frost and water which prevail at that sea- 

 son, impeding the progress of the workmen. 



The present plan of clearing swamps is, to cut down 

 the trees and bushes, build a dam, and flood for two 

 years. This so destroys the vegetation that the vines 

 may frequently be planted at once. 



Heath Poxds. 



Heatli ponds are prepared in much the same manner as 

 swamps. The necessary ditches are first cut, the ground 

 is then turfed, and the turf removed. If the sand imder- 

 lying the muck is within reach of the plow, the bottom 

 will be comparatively firm, and the ttirf may be hauled 

 off" to good advantage with a pair of horses, attached 

 to an ordinary farm wagon ; and the proper soil for the 

 berries may be obtained by bringing to the surface, with 

 a plow, an inch or two of the white subsoil. 



When tlie mttck is a little too deep to enable the plow 

 to work the sand np, a system of trenching may be re- 

 sorted to, as shown in fig. 13. Let the turf be thrown up 



