LETTERS FROM PRACTICAL GROAVERS. 



109 



Imperfect drainage will promote the growth of weeds, 

 and check that of the vine. 



Flooding, though not absolutely necessary, is still very 

 important. Judiciously managed, it will almost entirely 

 protect a bog from the ravages of insects. 



The vines should be set out in the spring, and a little 

 more care taken here, than is usual, will greatly advance 

 their growth. A bunch of vines is often placed in a hole, 

 or furrow, and the sand pressed around them ; and they 

 are kept in an upright position, so that the runners have 

 a difficulty in reaching the ground. Some little pains be- 

 stowed upon the arranging of the roots, and placing the 

 vines in an inclining position will be well repaid. 



There are many pieces of low ground in this country 

 where there seems to be, naturally, the proportion of sand 

 and muck, and where it is necessary only to take off the 

 turf and plow the ground to make it ready for tlie vine. 

 In other places, after the removal of the turf, the peat is 

 of so little depth that the plow will bring up the sand. 



We have, growing wild, in addition to the Bell, Bugle, 

 and Cherry varieties, others as well defined, and as valu- 

 able. 



Cranberry cultivation is yet in its infancy, and we have 

 much to learn concerning it ; and a little observation of 

 the great number of bogs that are now making will teach 

 us, from the great variety of soils on which they are 

 made, and the different methods of making them, valuable 

 facts, in many cases, at a heavy expense, to unsuccessful 

 cultivators. But of these facts I feel assured ; that a good 

 peat bottom, pure sand, thorough drainage, and a proper 

 flooding, will instire success. I have never known them 

 to fail. Bogs have succeeded with but a part of these 

 requisites, and similar bogs have filled. Because vines 

 are found growing upon the surface of the water, twenty 

 feet from land, where it is several feet deep, it is no reason 

 that a bog should be flooded the whole year. Neither is 



