New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-11-22
THE CULTURE OF CRANBERRTEs
cOrr.sporde.e. Of The n. Y. Tribune

DENNIS, Cape Cod, Saturday, Nov. 10, 1855.
In my last letter / specified the nature soils beat
adapted for the successful cultivation of cranber-
ries In this ! propose to name which are the
most valued and marketable fruits, and the method
ofplantDg the vine In the four.acre cranberry
yard owned by Mr.. Hall Of this place, after close
and patient research, discovered two v.rieties-
the cherry and the bell-fruit. The cherry Gran.
berry is round, and when ripe presents the appear
ance of that fruit after which it is named. In
season that has been favorable to its development
it has almost attained the size of the cherry There
are two kinds Of this variety-the large and small.
The largest are OF the above description, and the
smallest rarely or never exceed the dimensions of
the ordinary pea. These grow on the bushy or
tufted vine Though this vine throws out its suck
ers or runners, il is its nature to take root aud
form d small bush, something like the box Ii is
teldoB that fruit is found on the runner, but the
bushy plant yields enormously. The fingers may
be spread out and placed between the branches,
AID then drawn through item, and handful of Il ne
fruit which was concealed among the leaves will
reward the effort. The cherry cranberry is hard
and sound, and when ripe glistens like piece of
steI. lie color is whst be called o. apple
crimson. This variety is mostly sought after by
the wholesale dealers Persons who buy from
them for retailing prefer the cherry because their
customers will always take it before the bell cram
berry. Between this and the bell fruit there is no
essential difference, when they are grown on the
same soil one will keep as we'll as the other, and
taste precisely the same. But it is the case with
these fruits it is with dry goods-persons do not
40 much mind the quality as they do the pattern of
the print or shawl they wish to buy so it is in the
cranberry market-the cherry looks the prettiest
and il is always purchased first. This variety is
most profitable to the grower; an acre planted
with the cherry will produce more than the same
extent of land Get out with the bell vine. There
NAV not in number be more of the round variety,
but they find favor because of their size-they are
the largest.
The bell cranberry ia oval and looks much like
an egg. There are two kinds, the large aud small
The fruit OF this variety is found on the runners
as we'll as ON the bush. 1t does not hang 80 much
in clusters the cherry variety. 1t is very pro-
ductiye, and though the cherry is preferred the
grower can always find q ready market for any
amount be can produce Of the bell fruit.
From what have stated, it will be observed
that it is most desirable TO obtain the cherry vine
for planting, and those who contemplate making
ysrd, will if possible secure this variety in pref
erence TO all others. have taken some pains to
examine this plant in its wild aud naturallzed con-
diton. In six acre swamp within half mile Of
nv residence, found the vine in its center always
penetrating from the edge CT the swamp into its in
terror And in yards where this variety is cult
waited it is true to it's own nature always seeking
the dampest or most moistened portions of the
ward. The difference betv cen the cultivated and
nm cultivated vine is remarkable; the fruit of the
latter il small and stupted in its growth, while that
of the former will sserage three or four times its
size.
The bell cranberry, If found in the middle of
swamp in It's wild state, will invariably throw out
its runners toward the dryest parts of the bog
When sdas Sro %9st
vatiOn. il is true TO the same law, and will send
its suckers up the banks OF the yard, ana tnese
will yield well. The inference drawn from THIS Is,
that it can be cultivated on upland soils adapted
Il bss b beet even should it Lo. DC bss mat the
most sapgune expectations Of the expenmenTars'S,
In planting the cranberry vine, there are two
methods pursued on Cape Cod, which will briefly
name. and then point out that to which the prefer
ence is given. IN
II il not uncommon to set them out in hills
about three feet apart or in drills about the same
distance If they are planted thus, 1t consequently
takes longer time for the intervening space to DO
covered and matted over. When ayard is prop
erly prepared for the reception of the vine, tho
best method is to make drill with the common
pillow, and then put in the plant at about eighteen
inches apart and even closer together than TINS IL
YOU have a sufficient quantity of vines to enable
YOU TO do 80. EndeayOr, if possible, to overflow
your yard during the Winter and with IL. the open,
inc of Spring drain it off, and then leave the plants
10 take care Of Themselves; nature will do the
rest. e
Uwhat has been raid on the cultivation of cram.
berries in my letters to The TRIBUNE may have
excited wish in some minds to make an attempt
in thi, department of agriculture, and more IN
formation is desired upon the subject any gentle
man addressing letter to the Rev b. Eastwood,
Dennis, Mass, if such letter contains postage
stamp for the answer, will be promptly attended
=. SEPTIMUS.
uoppJpIC NTRDER