200 THE MANAGEMENT OF [CHAP. VII. 



grafting either on almond or plum stocks. 

 They are frequently planted for the beauty of 

 their flowers, which appear before the leaves, 

 but they are seldom grown in England for 

 their fruit; most of the almonds sold in London 

 being imported from Italy or Spain. The 

 Jordan almonds, which are considered the best, 

 are brought from Malaga. The almond re- 

 quires a dry soil, either sandy or calcareous ; 

 and the situation should be sheltered, as the 

 branches are brittle and apt to be broken off 

 by high winds. When the stones are sown, 

 care should be taken to press the sharp ends 

 downwards. The young plants will not bear 

 transplanting, as they will send down taproots 

 two feet long the first season. 



Fruit Shrubs. — The principal fruit shrubs 

 grown in gardens are, Gooseberries, currants, 

 and raspberries ; to which may be added ber- 

 berries and cranberries. 



TJie Gooseberry. — The number of varieties 

 of this useful fruit almost exceeds belief, and 

 fresh kinds are originated every year. The 

 principal reason of the great number of goose- 

 berries thus raised may be traced to the goose- 

 berry shows now so prevalent in different parts 

 of the kingdom. At these shows the largest 

 and heaviest berries gain the prize ; and it thus 

 becomes an object with the exhibitors to grow 

 berries that shall be as large and as heavy as 

 possible. For this purpose they raise a great 

 many new kinds ; and when they have obtained 

 one likely to suit their purpose, they plant it in 

 very rich soil, water it well, and, picking off 

 all the berries except three or four, they nourish 



