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white varieties are less robust than the red ones, and do not require quite 

 so much pruning. The Black Currant bears its fruit chiefly upon the 

 wood of the preceding season, and, though far less abundantly, upon older 

 spurs. Less pruning is required than for the Red Currant ; all that is 

 necessary is the removal of superflous shoots, and preventing a crowded 

 growth, as also the shortening back occasionally of branches to keep the 

 plants shapely. Summer pruning may be practised with advantage in 

 the case of either class, as it prevents a waste of energy. Rub off the 

 surplus young shoots as soon as they have fairly started, but leave 

 sufficient to provide ample foliage for shade, which is very essential to 

 Currants. 



PROPAGATION. 



Propagation may be effected by seeds, layers or cuttings, the latter 

 being the method most usually practised. Seed is only used when new 

 varieties are required, and ordinary cultivators seldom adopt this mode of 

 raising plants. Seedling plants will bear the second or third year from 

 the time of sowing, and their qualities are therefore soon ascertained. 

 As a rule seedling Currants vary but little from their parents, though, as 

 a matter of course, they differ occasionally. Plants can be readily 

 obtained from layers, but this method of propagation is not practised to 

 any large extent. The most general method is by cuttings, which should 

 be selected from well ripened wood of the previous season's growth. The 

 cuttings should be about twelve inches long, and these ought to be planted 

 four eyes below ground, in rows about two feet apart, leaving a space of 

 nine or ten inches between in the lines. Keep the ground free from 

 weeds, mulch the surface, and if necessary, supply water. The following 

 season the plants will be ready for the permanent plantation, or they can 

 be allowed to remain for another year if necessary, in which case the 

 shoots must be shortened back and thinned out according to requirements. 



VARIETIES. 



There are many varieties in cultivation, but a limited selection will 

 serve all practical purposes. The following list embraces most of the best 

 sorts in each class : 



BLACK CURRANTS. 



Black Naples. This is one of the finest and best in its class. Bunches 

 short, and berries very large. Flavour good, and superior to most other 

 varieties. Plant vigorous, hardy, and very prolific. 



Cartels Black Champion. This is a comparatively new English variety, 

 which has become popular in Europe. Bimches and berries large, and 

 fruit well flavoured. Strong in growth, and bears profusely. 



Kentish Hero. A hardy and prolific variety. Bunches a good size. 

 Berries large and well flavoured. 



Lee' $ Prolific, A. robust, very free-bearing variety. Bunches medium- 

 sized. Berries large, uniform, and possessing a sweet, rich flavour. 



