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Rockland
5th Mo 14th 1864 [May 14th, 1864]

4th Mo 30th was the regular time for a meeting. It was postponed on account of the illness of Thomas P. Stabler — a friend who has several times met with and given us much assistance and informations, the result of long experience and thorough study of “Practical Horticulture”
The meeting was unusually large and very interesting. The hour of meeting was not as nearly as observed as would be disirable. The display of vegetables and flowers was very fine. We were encouraged to give more attention to this is being one of the most interesting parts of our meetings. We were invited to see the garden which had been made second to the cornfield, in direct opposition to the counsels of our society as given at a former meeting. The currant and gooseberry bushes were very full of elegant fruit. A committee was appointed to see the Truck Patch; it reported that things were in a promising state. The orchard which we noticed incidentally was in excellent condition, very full of fruits.
The following were the questions asked and answered.
Q. Where can sweet potato plants be procured?
A. Francis Miller offer to supply the society provided his did well.
Q. The best way to raise sweet potatoes?
A. Plow furrows four feet apart fill with manure then throw two furrows on this in these ridges make hills two feet apart. Plant early. When the vines begin to run, wind or twist them around. Dig before frost.