146 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



CURRANTS AND GOOSEBERRIES. 

 By Prof. W. M. Munson of the State College. 



The common species of currant in cultivation at the present 

 time is probably a native of Northern Europe. It has been 

 under cultivation for more than 300 years, but was not consid- 

 ered of special importance until the latter part of the last cen- 

 tury. The English name currant is a corruption of corinths, 

 the name applied to the little Zante grape or so-called "English 

 Currant." from the fact that the latter came largely from Cor- 

 inth in Greece. 



As a rule currants are not so largely consumed as are other 

 small fruits. They are, however, very healthful and are of con- 

 siderable importance for the making of jelly and for canning. 

 There is, as a rule, a good local market for currants and the fact 

 that they may remain upon the bushes for some days after tliey 

 are ready to pick, is a great point in their favor as there is less 

 likelihood of loss in the case of unfavorable weather. 



SOIL AND CULTURE. 



The currant possesses great vitality and v/ill grow almost any 

 where but for the best results good deep, rich, clay loam is best. 

 I have, however, seen very good crops grow-n on light sandy soil; 

 but whatever the soil it must be deep and rich for favorable 

 returns. The currant is a gross feeder and sends its roots far 

 into the soil. For ordinary field culture the plants are set about 

 five feet by four and thorough cultivation should be given. If 

 the locality is such that clean culture cannot be given, good 

 results are some times obtained by heavy mulching, and in this 

 way the soil is kept moist and the weeds are kept down. 



PROPAGATION. 



The currant is propagated almost exclusively by means of cut- 

 tings of the new wood. The cuttings may be made at any time 

 after the new- growth is mature. If practicable they should be 

 set at once in the field. This method induces the formation of 

 roots before winter sets in and insures a long season for growth 



