296 Farmers^ Miscellany. [April, 



The broken shells still contain animal matter, and undoubtedly 

 a small proportion of phosphate of lime. It may be applied 

 freely to soils which have been cultivated and partly worn out. 

 In most cases in the application of marls of this description a free 

 application is required. 



CULTIVATION OF FRUITS. 



Currants. — The currant is so hardy, and so sure to produce at 

 least a tolerable crop, that usually, but little attention is paid to it. 

 Still it is really one of the best fruits we have, green or ripe, and 

 hence, should receive its share of attention. 



We have found by some experience, that hoeing, manuring and 

 a proper trimming of the bushes is as necessary as in the cultiva- 

 tion of any other plant. The fruit is larger and sweeter. In the 

 position they usually occupy they are especially exposed to weeds, 

 and a large part of the bush also is shaded, so that the fruit is in 

 part at least imperfect and worthless. Three things then are 

 necessary in the cultivation of the currant. 1. Sufficient prun- 

 ing of imperfect stems, so as to admit light and air into the 

 clump. 2. The application of barn yard manure, mixed with 

 decomposing leaves which accumulate in a garden. It may be 

 applied in the spring or fall. 3. Hoeing in the spring, after the 

 weeds have started. They should of course be pulled up as they 

 appear during the summer and ripening of the fruit. 



Gooseberries. — The gooseberry is subject to mildew, an evil 

 quite common in the best gardens, and which we have no doubt 

 is owing to some defect in their cultivation, and is, in part, we 

 believe, for want of free circulation of air. The plant is feeble 

 and weak, and is unable to produce a healthy fruit, which is 

 capable of resisting the attacks of fungi and parasitic plants. 



We copy in this place the sensible and practical remarks of a 

 writer in the Western Reserve Magazine of Horticulture. 



" As a testimony of our impression of the manner in which 

 the gooseberry should be cultivated not being a wrong one, we 



