CHAPTER XXVII. 



RED AND WHITE CURRANTS. 



FEW crops pay better than white currants, where there 

 is a good sale, at 4d. to 6d. per lb., which is the range 

 of prices for good dessert samples. In many seaside 

 towns the half-pound punnets of half white half red sell 

 freely at 6d. each. 



White Dutch currants ought to be much more freely 

 grown for dessert. They almost invariably bear good 

 crops, and hang well against walls or under carefully 

 fixed close netting till the end of September, or. October 

 even, if protected from birds (like the red). 



Both are cultivated in the same manner. They are 

 pruned back severely near to the old wood, three or 

 four inches being left only of the new wood on the top 

 of each branch. In the summer the thickest of the 

 young growth is often removed, to allow of the sun 

 ripening the fruit, and to secure the proper development 

 of the new fruit buds on the old " spurs." 



The best soil is usually found in well- drained uplands, 

 and in rich alluvial marshes, if not too heavy. Highly- 

 cultivated sandy soil also suits them well. 



Like raspberries, red currants are so largely used for 

 jams as well as bottling, jellies, and for the kitchen 



