486 On the Cultivation of the American Cranberry. 



posed to the open air throughout three summers, and as 

 many winters, and though no care was bestowed on the 

 plants, and the depth of earth did not exceed four inches, 

 yet neither the summer's heat, nor winter's cold affected them, 

 and last year they produced some very fine berries. This 

 proves their hardy nature, and that an exposed situation 

 will not be inimical to the health of the plants. The berries 

 I have likewise found to be as little susceptible of injury 

 from being allowed to remain out late in the season, for on 

 examining my bed in April last, I discovered that out of a 

 considerable number which had not been gathered in the 

 autumn, many were at that time in a perfect state on the 

 branches. 



Four feet is the most convenient width for the beds, but 

 by passing the shoots under a path formed of peat earth, 

 wherein they would root, other beds might soon be estab- 

 lished on each side. From four to six inches depth of peat 

 earth would be sufficient for such beds, and the paths should 

 be level with them, it being desirable not to drain off the 

 moisture. 



Dry heathy commons and wastes would produce a large 

 supply of these fruits, with little labour or expense, either 

 for the markets or for food for moor game.* A single plant 

 would soon extend itself over a large space of ground, if 

 turned up and kept clean till the runners had taken root, 



* Several gentlemen in the west of England are anxious to cultivate the American 

 Cranberry extensively, for the purpose of food for grouse, or red game, which they 

 are very desirous of introducing on their heaths and moors ; and these birds, by 

 dropping the seeds, would no doubt, assist in propagating the plants. 



