394 



THE EVOLUTION OP OUR NATIVE FRUITS 



standard of excellence in American gooseberries, and 

 is probably grown more extensively than all other 

 varieties combined ; and yet it is only two removes 

 from the wild species. 



A third native gooseberry was described in the 

 "Horticulturist," in I860,* as the Mountain Seedling. 

 This variety was the subject of an editorial note in 

 "Gardener's Monthly," for February, 1863, t at which 



a ig. 97. Wild Ribes oxyacanthoides. Natural size. 



place an inaccurate figure is also given. This variety 

 is little grown at present, but it is interesting as being 

 the only domestic named variety of another species. 



What, now, are these species of gooseberries ! The 

 English type is Ribes Grossularia, characterized by a 

 low, stiff habit, firm and thickish leaves with revolute 

 margins (Fig. 94), a downy ovary, and more or less 

 pubescent or bristly fruit (Fig. 96). The Houghton is 

 a form of the native Ribes oxyacantkoides, a species of 



Vol. xv. 403. tVol. v. 56. 



