136 GROWING FRUIT AND PRUNING TREES [CH. 



the bush is required to increase or not in size, taking 

 care that the centre is kept as open as possible. 



On the other hand, Black Currants should be treated 

 differently. The old wood with them should, as far as 

 possible, be removed, and the young summer growth 

 left their full length, only cutting out the growth from 

 the centre. Red and White Currants bear chiefly on 

 the old wood, Black on the new. 



With the Gooseberry the same rule applies, to a 

 certain extent Keep the centre open like a bowl, cut 

 away the low branches which touch the ground when 

 laden with berries. Cut away all cross stems, leave 

 as much of the young white wood as possible, and 

 avoid the mistake (into which so many gardeners fall) 

 of treating their gooseberry bushes as if they were Red 

 Currants ! 



Gooseberries lend themselves to being placed along 

 the edges of vegetable borders, where they may be 

 easily reached from the paths, and they need in no 

 wise interfere with the culture of the vegetables. 



In ordering currants and gooseberries ask for plants 

 with stems 12 inches long, and cut away suckers 

 whenever they appear. 



For young trees of all sorts the ordinary well- 

 trenched soil of the garden is quite rich enough without 

 the addition of manure. The chief aim for the first few 

 years should be the laying the foundation of a good tree. 



The boughs should be kept well apart, so that sun 



