tS/t.] cultivation of hardy fruits. 



319 



to be chosen. The soil ought to be of a nice light rich character, free from all 

 superabundance of moisture, and yet accessible to all the showers that fall. In 

 such a situation first-class fruit of the highest quality ought to be grown, and 

 should come into season at the" earliest possible time. For late and long-keeping 

 varieties it is necessary to consider two things; first, what are the best varieties 

 for this purpose, and where the best position. To the first of these questions 

 the answer is, the Ironmonger and AYarrington. To the second question the 

 answer is, on the northern exposure of a southern wall. For the growth of these 

 varieties we have often noticed that soil of a heavier and even richer nature is 

 necessary than for the earlier kinds. It is well to bear this in mind, and prepare 

 borders accordingly. A good arrangement is to plant the late Gooseberries under 

 the wall where the Morello Cherries are grown. The soil which grows this Cherry 

 well is admirably adapted for the Warrington Gooseberry. By thus planting them 

 upon the one border a deal of labour and expense is obviated in protecting from 

 the ravages of birds. A net stretched from the cope of the wall over the border 

 and bushes to the box will cover more than double the fruit it would have done 

 had the two crops been separate. Thus by adopting this or some such plan there 

 is a deal of practical utility. In the planting of a Gooseberry plantation a con- 

 siderable amount of care and forethought must be exercised. The distances 

 between the plants will depend upon whether the plants grow vigorous and 

 large, or, as is sometimes the case, but sparingly. If the latter, then 4 feet 

 apart may be enough; if, however, they grow large, then 6 feet may not 

 be too much. A very good distance is 6 feet-lines and 5 feet bush from 

 bush. It is seldom the Gooseberry requires more than this, and these distances 

 are wide enough to give plenty of room without wasting any space. The holes 

 may be made 3 feet in diameter and 1 foot deep. Into these may be placed 

 4 or 5 inches of good rotten dungj raising the centre of the hole into a convex 

 shape, over which an inch or more of the soil may be placed. Upon this may be 

 placed the roots of the bush, and after they have been well spread out they may 

 receive a good covering over with soil to the depth of an inch or two; Over this 

 may be placed another layer of 2 or 3 inches of manure, the whole finished over 

 with the remaining soil. A stake should be put into every bush at planting-time 

 to keep it steady, as they are very apt to be tossed about by the wind, especially if 

 the stems are long, as we have recommended them to be. 



There is just one other thing which I would desire to notice regarding Goose- 

 berry cultivation, and that is summer pruning, which, if judiciously done, is of 

 much advantage. The best time to do this is towards the end of June, when 

 they have in a measure completed their growth. All terminal shoots and those 

 needed for vacant spaces must be left at full length, all other shoots may be re- 

 moved, except from 2 to 3 inches. The shoots then cut are intended to be cut 

 back to the regular pruning length in winter. These will form fruit-bearing 

 spurs, and by being cut back in this manner in summer they will be better ex- 

 posed to the action of light and air, and consequently will form firmer and finer 

 buds. Besides these advantages, there will be less trouble in the fruit-gathering 

 season, as the fruit will be more easily reached and more quickly pulled. The 

 only disease to which the Gooseberry is liable is the dying-ofi" of branches, and 

 sometimes whole bushes, without any apparent reason. This, however, chiefly 

 occurs in localities not too favourable to the culture of this fruit, and from hunger 

 and starvation in poor soils. To obviate this the best plan is to be particular in 

 giving them the best soil and position at the cultivator's command. 



Of insect enemies there are several. The Neraretus Kibesii, or saw-fly of the 

 Gooseberry and Currant, is one. In early spring it deposits its eggs upon the 



