180 THE CURRANT. 



is deep and rich ; and if liberally supplied with manure of any 

 description, the crop of fruit wiU be immense. 



The Currant is easily propagated by cuttings or by layers. K 

 the cuttings are taken off in August, made about six inches long, 

 and planted with the top bud just even with the surface of the 

 ground, and then covered when winter sets in with a mulch of 

 coarse litter six inches deep to prevent them from being thrown 

 up by the frost, they will make stronger plants the next season 

 than when planted in spring. The mulch should be taken off in 

 the spring, so as not to interfere with the growth of the cuttings. 

 Fig. 52 is a representation of a cutting as planted. 

 From that part of the cutting below the surface of 

 the soil the buds have been cut out, as shown in the 

 engraving, while those above the surface are retained. 

 If the buds below the surface are removed in this 

 p manner before the cutting is planted, there is much 

 less probability of being troubled with suckers from 

 the root. 



In setting out the plants in the garden for fruit- 

 ing, they should stand about four feet apart each 

 way, or if in single rows, four feet apart is a con- 

 venient distance. Besides keeping the groimd rich 

 Uand clean between the bushes, it will be found that 

 a heavy mulch, such as is recommended for the 

 Fig. 52. Easpberry, wiU be of great advantage, especially in 

 very hot and dry seasons. A little pruning will also be ser- 

 viceable, enough to keep the head open, and occasionally thin 

 out the old wood, so as to keep the top in a healthy and vigorous 

 condition. 



The following varieties are those most worthy of attention : 

 Black Naples. — This is the best of all the Black Currants ; 

 the fruit is large and fine, and the clusters are both larger and 

 more numerous than in any other black sort. 



Champagne. — A very handsome pale pink variety, esteemed 

 on account of its peculiar color more than for any special quality 

 of the fruit. 



