CURRANTS. 



/CURRANTS are the fruit of well-known shrubs, near allies of the gooseberry. They 

 are found wild in woods and thickets in various parts of Asia, Europe (Britain), and 

 America. There are three distinct types : 1, the Black Currant, Quinsy Berry (Ribes 

 nigrum) ; 2, the Red Currant, Wild Currant, Garnet Berry (R. rubrum) ; and 3, the 

 White Currant, a variety of the last species (R. r. album). The cultivated varieties are 

 not very numerous, but considerable confusion exists in their nomenclature ; this is in 

 some measure due to variation through the effects of soil, locality, and cultivation, and 

 advantage has been taken of it to give new names to old varieties, while in some cases 

 local names are given because the proper ones have been lost. 



For cultural purposes, as well as distinct uses, currants are divided into two 

 sections : I. Black ; II. Red and White. 



I. BLACK CURRANTS. 



The fruit is largely used in tarts and puddings; it produces a fine jelly, much 

 recommended in cases of sore throat; also makes excellent jam and wine. The 

 Russians put the berries into brandy, and the Irish into whisky, in the same way as the 

 English use cherries. The Russians also ferment the juice with honey, and so form a 

 strong and palatable wine. Black currants are not greatly in request for dessert, the 

 only variety suitable for the purpose being Lee's Prolific. 



VARIETIES OF BLACK CURRANTS. 



BALDWIN'S. Bunches medium ; berries very large, 

 sweet, and well flavoured ; a robust grower, and 

 very productive. One of the best for market. 



BLACK NAPLES (Carter's Champion). Bunches 

 rather short ; berries large, juicy, sweet, and rich ; 

 a stiirdy grower, and very productive. The best 

 for general work. 



LEE'S PROLIFIC. Bunches long, and freely produced ; 



berries large, nearly uniform in size, sweet, and 



richly flavoured, hanging late ; a free grower, not 



very hardy ; productive. 

 OGDEN'S BLACK. Bunches short ; berries medium to 



large, juicy, and good ; a sturdy grower and free 



bearer, hardier than most varieties. 



