CURRANTS AND GOOSEBERRIES 175 



are buried in a few inches of soil. The shoots send out 

 roots into this soil and when well grown may be cut off 

 below the roots, thus furnishing new plants. American 

 varieties of Gooseberries are also propagated occasionally 

 by means of root-cuttings. 



Like the currant the Gooseberry is essentially a 

 northern fruit. It thrives in a cool climate in a rich, 

 moist soil. It is a home garden fruit more than a 

 market fruit, although in the larger cities there is a fair 

 demand for the berries, which are generally picked 

 green. In gardens the bushes can often be kept in good 

 thrift by the use of a thick mulch of grass or coarse litter 

 which will shade the soil, retain moisture, and prevent 

 the growth of weeds. 



Enemies 



Gooseberries are subject to attack by much the same 

 insect and fungous enemies as the currant, with the 

 Powdery Mildew as an added source of trouble. As 

 already indicated this is seldom noticed upon the varie- 

 ties of American origin, but is very destructive to the 

 European sorts. This fungus usually appears in spring 

 upon the partially grown leaves and buds, first showing 

 as a sparse, cobweb-like covering. Later it assumes a 

 more powdery appearance because of the development 

 of millions of tiny white spores. The young berries are 

 also attacked, generally being dwarfed and one-sided 

 as they develop. Spraying with a solution of potassium 

 sulphid, one ounce to two gallons, about once in ten days 

 from the time the buds begin to open until the fruit is 

 gathered will prevent the disease. But it is easier to 

 grow the American sorts which are not subject to it. 



