1592 



The Cornell Reading-Courses 



THE CURRANT 



The currant is grown to a less extent commerically than most of the 

 other bush fruits. This may be accounted for in part by the fact that it 

 is seldom eaten fresh. It is used mainly for making jelly, jam, and pies, 

 and for these purposes, especially the first named, it is an excellent fruit. 

 The currant is a staple crop and is usually in good demand at a steady 

 price. The growers who raise it receive good returns and believe that 

 there are even greater opportunities in its commercial culture. 



The currant is hardy in its ability to withstand cold and can 

 be grown anywhere in the United States without the least danger of winter 

 injury to wood or bud. It cannot endure the warmer climates, however, 

 and consequently it is not grown to any extent in the Southern States. 



A patch should produce six to eight commercial crops, provided it is 

 well cared for; but the growers do not believe that it is economy to keep 

 a patch longer. A new patch is easy to start and the younger plants 

 produce the best crops. As one patch grows old another should be started, 

 which will be in full bearing by the time the older one is removed. 



SOIL 



In general, any rich soil that is cool and moist will produce good crops 

 of currants. Certain types of soil will probably give better returns than 

 others, although our information on soil preference! is too limited to warrant 

 definite statements. We know, however, that the soil should possess certain 

 characteristics. It should be well drained, but not too heavy; it should 

 be moist and cool, but not wet and cold. In our study of this fruit in 

 western New York the type of soil received some attention. It was 

 thought that the data would give a little indication of the soil preference. 

 The figures are given below. Too great value should not be attached 

 to them, since most of the patches are on the lighter soils and consequently 

 there is no opportunity for comparison between them and the heavier 

 types, and also since the acreage is too small to give an accurate average. 



Gravel 



Gravelly loam 

 Sandy loam . . 



Farms 



Acres 



4.22 



6.67 



21 .91 



Yields 

 per acre 

 (quarts) 



2,062.3 

 2,210. I 

 3. 383 -9 



Incomes 

 per acre 



S13714 

 125 43 

 151.88 



The currant does not do its best in intense heat, and therefore a northern 

 and western exposure is preferable. When planting in the garden, the 



