LECT. vii QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 111 



remain stand clear of each other, the leaves scarcely touching, 

 and fruitfulness will be induced. Black currant growths, how- 

 ever, must not be cut back like those of red and white currants 

 and gooseberries, but should be simply thinned like raspberries 

 to let the sun shine amongst and between the growths retained. 

 The side shoots shortened in summer are cut back in winter 

 to about an inch of the base, and the main branches ought 

 to be about nine inches apart. Bushes so treated become heavily 

 laden with fruit, provided the soil is good, and the roots near 

 the surface of the ground are not mutilated with the spade. 



