SMALL FRUITS. 59 



CURRANTS AND GOOSEBERRIES. 



A cold, damp, Northern exposure is where nature seems to have 

 planted these and kindred fruits. The ribes, in their various species, 

 abound in cool, damp, rich soil and continuous, uniform moisture. 



The four essentials to the best results are, high fertilization, annual 

 pruning, heavy mulching and a sufficient stirring of the soil to keep 

 down the weeds and make the ground reasonably mellow. To these, of. 

 course, I always add, in ordinary seasons, two or three thorough irriga- 

 tions during the fruiting time. This latter requirement will depend, 

 however, on the nature of the soil. One can grow many small berries 

 and much wood product, or an abundance of large, fine fruit with little 

 wood. 



This much in general terms ; now as to details. If any one has any 

 choice in soil or exposure, let that be selected which comes nearest the 

 conditions named. If not, even natural disadvantages may be overcome 

 by good management. In any event, enrich the land generously with 

 good manure well-rotted stable manure is excellent plow deep and 

 thoroughly, and place the land in good condition for planting. Mark 

 rows for field culture about five feet each way, or the rows may be five 

 feet apart, and the plants set four feet apart in the rows. My own expe- 

 rience leads me to favor close planting, such, of course, as will not be in- 

 consistent with easy cultivation. It will have a tendency to shade tHe 

 earth and keep it cool and moist, and to protect the foliage and fruit buds 

 against injury from sun, frost, and extremes of temperature. For 

 garden planting, four feet each way will be about the right thing. After 

 the stock is in the ground, of course, weeds should be kept down, and 

 water, at least the first season, freely applied, without the site is naturally 

 moist. Don't fail to see that there is an abundance of moisture during 

 the time of fruiting. It will greatly aid fruit development in size, yield 

 and general appearance. 



PRUNING. 



Pruning may be done in the fall, winter and early spring. Late fall 

 is, perhaps, as good a time as as any. 



The tree form system of training is neither practicable nor desirable 

 with us for field culture, and should not be practical where the borer is 

 liable to work. A dozen strong branches or root shoots are enough for 



