CHAPTER XXVIII. 



BLACK CURRANTS. 



Tins fruit has been largely produced by farmers, being 

 one of the hardiest and safest grown. It is so popular 

 for preserving, besides being extensively used for various 

 other purposes, that there is generally a ready sale for 

 all that can be produced. 



The best site for the black currant is in moist 

 situations, and on rather heavy land. Any good rich 

 soil suits them well, if fairly drained, and they produce 

 heavy crops often under the shade of orchard trees. 

 The cultivation is very simple, as in good ground it 

 needs little manure, and the pruning is confined to 

 thinning out the old wood, and any weak shoots must 

 be cut out well where too thick. 



As the black currant drops its fruit as soon as fully 

 ripe, it must be sent to market quickly when ready. 



Lee's Prolific, or sweet fruited, is the best for dessert, 

 and also has the credit of hanging well to the stalks. 

 The other good sorts are Black Naples, Baldwin, and 

 Prince of Wales. In suitable soils this is the most 

 profitable of bush fruits, and it is certainly the favourite 

 for preserving with the working classes. 



In many districts cottagers adopt the system of tying 



