CHAPTER XXVI. 



CURRANTS, CONTINUED PROPAGATION, VARIETIES. 



"PRUNING naturally leads to the subject of propagation, 

 for much of that which is cut away, so far from being 

 useless, is often of great value to the nurseryman ; and there 

 are few who grow this fruit for market who could not turn 

 many an honest penny if they would take the refuse young 

 wood of the previous summer's growth and develop it into 

 salable bushes. In most instances a market would be found 

 in their owm neighborhood. Nothing is easier than success 

 in raising young currant bushes, except failure. If cuttings 

 are treated in accordance with their demand for moisture 

 and coolness, they grow with almost certainty ; if subjected 

 to heat and drought, they usually soon become dry sticks. 

 The very best course is to make and plant our cuttings in 

 September or very early in October, — just as soon as the 

 leaves fall or will rub off readily. As is true of a root- slip, so 

 also the wood cutting must make a callus at its base before 

 there can be growth. From this the roots start out. 

 Therefore, the earlier in the fall that cuttings are made, the 

 more time for the formation of this callus. Often, autumn- 

 planted cuttings are well rooted before winter, and have just 

 that much start over those that must begin life in the spring. 

 Six inches is the average length. See Figures A, B and C. 

 Let the cuttings be sunk in deep, rich, moist, but thoroughly 

 well-drained soil, so deeply as to leave but two or three 



