Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1859-04-01
Cranberries.

We ore not without hope after all. The
Agricultural Society have noticed our pets
but in - way that shows they have not con-
sidered the subject very attentively Their
premium is tor the largest quantity to be
grown on square rod; as though the fruit
WAS grown by annual planting, manuring
and hoens, like an acre of corn or rd of
cabhages. whose quantity depends upon the
manner of cultivation. In our judgment it
would be just as wise to off,r Il premium for
the largest quantity of apples that might be
grown upon Il single tree. when it is known
that the quantity for any given year depends
upon circumstances beyond the control of
man.
The true policy would seem to be. to en-
courage the planting of the vines in as large
quantities as possible Induce people to en-
ter upon the cultivation on large scale
Reward future eXcrtions. not the past. Those,
who planted five years ago. are reaping a
sufficient reward Would it not have been of
greater utility to offer u premium for the
largest surface to be planted with vines with
in given distance prey ,us to the next an
nual Show?
The cultivation WAS first sttrt,l near Cape
Cod, AMI has been more extensively pursued
there, than in any other bcality. The most
that has been published has been in refer
cnce to the p'cuIi'r sid AL .slimata of that
vicinity: and many have been deferred from
entering upon the business from u mistaken
idea that we have not suitable soil. The
Cape writer's speak as though sand was an
absolute necessity.
One writer lays it down, that dead sand,
water and air are the elements upon which
the cranberry foods the best. and attains its
highest degree Of perfection. But this is
true only as it regards that particular loca-
ton. The same writer also SAYS. The cram
berry vine, in its wild condition, does not
seem to off r much temptation to a thrifty
farmer, because it appears such II stunted,
barren thing Such is not the case here.
in this county t1at are thrifty and the fruit
large AMI well tiIy'rrd. showing that or
soil and climate are cJn-enial to its growth.
1t requires more water than most oth,r
v'getables OF Its size; it is on this account
that our mtrsAy or swtmpy lands are more
suitable than any ether. 1t does not want
the water to stand upon it in the summer
while ii is growing. but eight or ten inches
from tn" surface where it can be reached by
the roots. 1t is therefore necessary to seek
locations that can be drained by bitches at
such times AS may be required. This ditch
ing of the swamp, with the dam at the out
let, is one of the principal labors in forming
a cranberry yard,
When the grass has been plowel or hocd
in, or covered with sand 50 deep as t. kill it.
the vines should be set out one foot apart each
way. Although they will grow when plant
cd in layers without the roots, yet they will
come to maturity so much quicker. when
the roots are carefully taken up, and / in
to the ground; it pays well fer the extra
trouble in transplanting them in that way
When the yard is planted, let it be secarc-
' fenced. The browsin, AMI trealin. by
cattle is fatal to the vines. The fruit grows
IN thu new branches that put out each year
from buds that a:Irted the previous YEAR, if
thy are eaten of, of course there can be no
" t-g, Il ,,f, l.. E,
m,re efitctualy breaks the roots and vines
than it would vegetables grown in a fnel
sill The yard should be more secure from
such intrusion than a kitchen garden
1t often happens that a lte fr5st kills the
tender fruit branches as they are Just start
lns. When this happens it is called a bar
rem year. 10 remedy this II is requisite TO
have a dam |y which the water may be kept
on till the trosts are past. The water pre-
vents the growth Of the fruit branches till
the danger is over No time for Grainn. of
the water can be prescribed, as the warmth
Of the seasons vary, but about the middle Of
May Is on an ayera5e the suitable time If
cold snap comes on after the water has
been drawn, the gate can be shut down over
night and raised the next morning. L, is
injurious to keep 1T on longer than necessary.
rs il makes the fruit backward.
The dam serves another useful purpose,
by keeping the land flowed during the win
ter, 40 that the roots will not be broken by
the freezing Of the soil, as they otherwise
would be. S.