82 



FRUIT-GARDENING. 



and air from the fruit. In training espaliers, and for standards, 

 two branches are trained in a horizontal direction along the 

 bottom of the trellis, perhaps half a foot from the surface of the 

 earth; and the growth from these, or of all upright shoots, 



Cherry Currants. 



which will admit of being arranged at the distance of five or 

 six inches from each other, is encouraged. Fan standards are 

 sometimes trained with the branches radiating from the crown 

 of the stem. 



The black Currant, or Ribes nigrum, is common in moist 

 woods in Russia and Siberia, and in certain localities in America. 

 Its culture is similar to that of the red ; but as it is less apt to 

 bear in spurs than on young wood, the shoots should not be so 

 much shortened in this as in the other. 



Currant bushes should be planted at different distances, 

 according to the situation and mode of training. When planted 

 in beds, borders, or squares, they should be six feet apart, but 

 if trained as espaliers they may be eight feet apart. Many 

 people dislike the flavor of black Currants. They are therefore 

 not much used in the kitchen as dessert, and seldom in wine- 

 making. They make a jelly or jam, in estimation as a gargle 

 for inflammatory sore throats. In Russia and Siberia wine is 

 made of the berries alone, or fermented with honey, and with 

 or without spirits. 



