308 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



. CURRANTS. 



Most of the currants gave good yields of fine fruit. The aphis was 

 the only insect that was at all difficult to control and this did little 

 harm except upon Long Bunch Holland. Where this variety is grown 

 it is well to spray the plants just before the buds open in the spring with 

 rather strong kerosene emulsion in order to destroy the eggs which 

 were laid the previous fall. 



This fruit is also attacked by the insects and diseases mentioned 

 as injuring the gooseberry, and they yield readily to the same treat- 

 ment. It is particularly important that the leaf-blights upon the cur- 

 rant are controlled. These fungi seldom fail to appear and as they often 

 cause the leaves to drop before the first of July it not only makes it 

 impossible for the bushes to ripen the fruit, but they are not able to 

 mature their growth and to develop fruit buds for the next year's crop. 



The value of the currant crop depends largely upon the size of the 

 fruit secured. While much can be done by selecting varieties that give 

 fruit of a large size, the fact that most of these varieties have a large 

 pith and are especially subject to the attack of the borer makes them 

 undesirable in many localities. Thorough cultivation and the use of 

 ashes and ground bone as fertilizers tend to considerably increase the 

 size of the fruit and will often give a good return in the price received 

 per case without considering the effect upon the amount of the crop. 

 Judicious pruning will also improve the size of currants. Particularly 

 when the plants are young and the new growths are a foot or more in 

 length, it is a good plan to head them back to about six inches. This 

 will produce large fruit buds and will have a corresponding effect upon 

 the fruit itself The following varieties fruited here this year: 



Champion : — A thrifty growing black currant. The berries are large 

 and of good quality, but like all black currants the clusters are small 

 and loose. One of the best for cooking, jams, etc. Bears well for a 

 black currant. 



Cherry: — A thrifty, luxuriant grower, growing very large, attractive 

 berries, generally in compact, short bunches. Quality medium. A very 

 good market currant bringing highest prices. Bears well. Subject tQ the 

 attack of borers. 



Comet: — One of the newer varieties of the Cherry type. Quality fair. 

 Bushes vigorous growers. Clusters of fruit short and compact. Does 

 not seem to be productive, otherwise a good currant. 



Fay: — Growth and berry much like the Cherry. Clusters are larger 

 and bushes slightly more productive. Quality medium. Would prefer 

 it to Cherry. 



Holland: — Long, loose, clusters. Berries small and fair quality. 

 Season medium. Moderately productive. Not good enough to warrant 

 recommendation. 



Lakewood : — A vigorous grower, bearing large berries of the Cherry 

 type. Clusters vary in length but are generally compact. Quality 

 medium. Varies in productiveness. This year it bore a fair crop. 



Lee: — A rather poor-growing black currant. Quality is only fair, as is 

 also the productiveness. Not to be recommended. 



London : — A well-known variety. Generally quite productive but it 

 gave only a half crop and the bunches were rather loose. Bushes do 



