CHOICE AND PREPARATION OF SOIL. 255 



The well-drained swamp may become the very best of 

 currant fields ; and damp, heavy land, that is capable of 

 deep, thorough cultivation, should be selected if possible. 

 When such is not to be had, then, by deep plowing, subsoil- 

 ing, by abundant mulch around tlie plants throughout the 

 summer, and by occasional waterings in the garden, counter- 

 acting the effects of lightness and dryness of soil, skill can 

 go far in making good nature's deficiencies. 



Next to depth of soil and moisture, the currant requires 

 fertility. It is justly called one of the '' gross feeders," and 

 is not particular as to the quality of its food, so that it is 

 abundant. I would still suggest, however, that it be fed 

 according to its nature with heavy composts, in which muck, 

 leaf- mold, and the cleanings of the cow-stable are largely 

 present. Wood-ashes and bone-meal are also most excel- 

 lent. If stable or other light manures must be used, I would 

 suggest that they be scattered liberally on the surface in 

 the fall or early spring, and gradually worked in by culti- 

 vation. Thus used, their light heating qualities will do no 

 harm, and they will keep the surface mellow and, therefore, 

 moist. 



The shadowy. Northern haunts of the wild currant also 

 suggest that it will falter and fail under the Southern sun ; 

 and this is true. As we pass down through the Middle 

 States, we find it difficult to make thrive even the hardy 

 White and Red Dutch varieties, and a point is at last 

 reached when the bushes lose their leaves in the hot season^ 

 and die. From the latitude of New York south, therefore, 

 increasing effort should be made to supply the currants' 

 constitutional need, by giving partial shade among pear or 

 widely set apple trees, or, better still, by planting on the 

 northern side of fences, buildings, etc. By giving a cool, 

 half-shady exposure in moist land, the culture of the currant 



