CHAPTER XXXII 



VARIETIES OF GOOSEBERRIES 



The gooseberry is a much neglected fruit in America. Two 

 kinds, Houghton and Downing, are cultivated almost to the 

 exclusion of other sorts, many of which are as easily grown and 

 nearly all of whicli produce larger, handsomer, and better- 

 flavored fruits. The gooseberry also suffers from another spe- 

 cies of neglect in this country. Americans seldom use the ripe 

 fruits and, therefore, do not know how refreshing and delectable 

 a well-ripened gooseberry is. Were any of the several good 

 sorts described in this text groAvn, and the product allowed to 

 ripen, this fruit might receive the attention and attain the 

 esteem it merits and holds in all European countries. Culti- 

 vated gooseberries are derived from two species, Rihes hirtelliim 

 and R. Grossularia, all American sorts excepting Pale Red, pure- 

 bred from R. hirtellum, being hybrids between the two, while all 

 of the European kinds are varieties of R. Grossularia. 



INDEX TO VAKIETIES OF GOOSEBERRIES 



Carrie, 717 Industry, 723 



Chautauqua, 718 Lancashire Lad, 724 



Columbus, 719 Oregon, 725 



Crown Bob, 720 Pale Red, 726 



Downing, 721 Poorman, 727 



Houghton, 722 Red Jacket, 728 



717. Carrie. R. hirtellum X ^- Grossularia. — In Minnesota, 

 Wisconsin, and neighboring states, where only the hardiest 

 fruits can be grown, Carrie is becoming the most popular goose- 

 berry. It is much like Houghton but distinct, although some 

 maintain that it is identical. The variety originated with 

 Wyman Elliott, Minneapolis, Minnesota, from seed planted in 

 1892. 



Plants very large, spreading, dense, productive; canes long, slender, 

 willowy; spines slender, short, few. Leaves large, thick, dull green, glossy, 

 free from mildew. Flowers midseason, singly or in clusters of 2, 3, or 5. 



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