66 GOOSEBERRY. 



GOOSEBERRY. 

 GROSEILLER. Ribes grossularia, uva, crispa, etc. 



THE Gooseberry is a native of several parts of Europe, 

 and is indigenous in America, as far north as 68. It is 

 cultivated to greater perfection in England than in any other 

 part of the world. In Spain and Italy, this fruit is scarcely 

 known. In France, it is neglected. In Lancashire, Eng- 

 land, and some parts of the adjoining counties, almost every 

 cottager cultivates the Gooseberry, with a view to prizes 

 given at what are called Gooseberry Prize Meetings ; of 

 these, there is annually published an account, with the names 

 and weights of the successful sorts, in what is called the 

 Manchester Gooseberry Book. The prizes vary from ten 

 shillings to five and ten pounds sterling. There are meet- 

 ings held in the spring to " make up," as the term is, the 

 persons, and the conditions of exhibition ; and in August, 

 to weigh and test the fruit, and determine the prizes. 



In Lindley's Guide to the Orchard and Fruit Garden, 

 seven hundred and twenty-two varieties are described ; from 

 which the following are selected, as in most repute for size, 

 flavour, and other good qualities : 



RED. 



BRITISH CROWN, Boardmari's. This variety is noted as being a fine fla- 

 voured fruit, especially for tarts. Thirty-three prizes had been awarded for 

 it in 1829; the largest berry weighing 18 pennyweights and 10 grains. 



CHAMPAGNE. The fruit of this variety is held in great esteem for its 

 delicious flavour; the berry is of medium size, somewhat oblong and hairy. 



CAPPER'S Top SAWYFR. This is a late fruit, of oblong shape, and hairy 

 near the base. One hundred and seventy-one prizes were obtained for this 

 in 1838 and 9 ; the heiviest berry weighing 22 dwts. 17 grains. 



CROWN BOB. Melting's. This variety won eighty-five prizes in two sea- 

 sons ; th largest berry weighing 21 <1wts. and 12 grains. It is a late fruit, 

 of oblong shape, bright red colour, and hairy. 



EARLY R ED, WilmoCs. This variety is considered by Mr. Wilmot as 

 first rate of its colour. It has a thin skin; is of large size, very early, of 

 excellent flavour, and incredibly productive. 



HUNTSMAN. This variety, which originated with Mr. Bratherton, took 



