Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-04-16
agricultural Department.
Planting The Cranberry.

In its wild or natural state, the cranberry is found
in wet situations; in Doggy grounds, in damp san
DIV lands, and on the low margins Of ponds and
streams. 1t will live and grow in comparatively
dry Soils but il will not bear fruit without its roots
are immersed in water at all seasons of the year.
Soil and Situation. first object of the cu-
tivaor should be TO select the ground for his Gran.
berry yard, Every wet situation is not suitable
The soil must be either sand, mud peat, or a mix
ture Of these. There must be an abundant supply
of water al all seasons OF the IL the ground
is so situated that il can be flooded during the win
ter and spring, it is, better; but it is not indspen-
sable TO success. The ground must be saturated
with water, either from springs, running streams,
or the DRAWINGS from higher land. On the low
sandy margins Of ponds the water is not much az
fected by the season. sufficient spply Of moisture
will ascend, because the little spaces between the
grains Of sand act as so many capillary tubes for
the ascent of the water: but when the margin is
compact earth, unmixed peat, the dampness will
not on that principle rise to the surface. In Sc
lection of situation for his cranberry yard, the
culvator, must observe, first, whether the soil is
Of loose, porous character, easily permeabe to
water and second whether there will be an album
dant supply Of water in the dryest seasons IL Ell
Their Of these two requisites is wanting, it will be
useless for him TO attempt the cultivation of the
cranberry.
Planting aud CdltHre.-In Doggy grounds it is
advisable 10 retaiu the top SOIL and cover the
face with beach sand il it can be easily procured
if not with any sand that does contain loan or
surface soil. Til recently the common method Of
setting out the vines was, after the bog was cover
ed with sand it was marked off in parallel rows
like field Of corn, and sods Of vines set from three
to four feet apart each way. The usual method
now is, to set in drills about two feet apart The
vines separated and only two or three upright
stalks are set together and are placed from six to
twelve inches apart lengthwise Of the drill On
wet and barren sandy land the expense Of setting
out the vines is much less than on boys.
Cuttings from any part Of the stem will strike
root and may be used where it is difficult or expen-
sive to procure a sufficient quantity with ROOTS
Where vines cannot be procured cranberries may
be sown. 1t is not certain but that sowing will
ultimately prove to be the cheapest and most ex-
peditious method. We know of but one instance
where cranberries were sown. That experiment
was successful, and the ground is now thickly set
with vines.
The best time for setting the vines, we are una
BILE to state. The common practice has been 10
set them at any time when the weather would ad-
nit, from November to March, The spring we
should think preferable for sowing.
During the first season after they are set, vines
frequently put forth numerous runners four or FIVE
feet long. The next year the runners put forth
upright bearing stems, which produce cranberres
on the third year. The vines do not usually be-
come so thick set as to cover the ground before
the fifth year.
Manure is worse than useless, and any vegeta-
bic or animal matter that will cause fermentation
is injurious. As general rule the more barren
the surface soil, the better it is adaptrd TO the
growth of the cranberry. The growth Of the gras-
ses in such situations will be feeble, while the cram
berry, obtaining its sustenance mainly from water
and the atmosphere, grows luxurantly, and will,
ultimately kill out the grasses and obtain complete
possession Of the soil.
During the first three years. it is better to pull
out the grasses than to wait for the cranberry vines
TO overcome them. Bushes must be carefully re-
moved fast as they spring up, because il suffered
to grow they would do great injury. No other
attention is necessary, excepting that good fences
must be maintained around the vines TO prevent
The depreciation Of herbaceous animals.
Profts.-One bushel of Cranberres to the
square rod may be considered good crop from
zines that have been live years, though we could
cite particular instances in which three and four
bushels have been gathered Raising cranberries
is like every other business in life f man judges
rightly, is prudent and industrious, he will CON-
monty succeed; but if he depends more on good
luck than good management, in nine out
Of ten he will fail. The cranberry fever is now
running high among us, and almost every man you
meet eAnlOls some symptom OF the DISEASE lhat
fortunes are to be suddenly made by all who embark
in this business we do not believe; but that large
profits be obtained from vines set in good stu
atoms, such as are above described there is no
doubt. The experiments of Capt. Henry Hail.
Hiram Hall and Peter Hall, ofCapt Edward B Hal.
let and Edward Thatcher, of this town, and many
others that could be named. prove that the raising
If cranberres in good situations as profitable
business.
We know that some of the opinions which we
rave given in this article will initiate against the
heories Of few Of our friends; but we cannot help
t. We have carefully examined almost every
cranberry bog and yard in the county, and have
carefully compared the information thus obtained,
md we know that opinions are corrobora,ed
md supported by all who have had the largest ex
'erience in the business. We do not wish TO dis
courage any from planting vines. Far from it, we
ay, go ahead. All wish is to discourage men
rom running blindfold into business, respecting
which, all the necessary information can be so
asily and readily Obtained Yarmouth Register.