1897.] ESSAYS. 53 



so many. But I think their use will continue to increase as people 

 learn more ways of putting them up and mixing them with other 

 fruits, sometimes using them in place of cranberries when price is 

 lower. A quart of currants makes a fine sauce, and not expensive at 

 recent prices ; and the best is made without heating, quite a considera- 

 tion in hot weather ; heating acid fruits changes greatly the flavor, as 

 seen in the strawberry. 



I have a sample to show, for testing it ; if you are not afraid of 

 germs, just try it. 



Currants thrive best in a heavy, deep, moist soil ; and in bearing 

 will stand it and pay for it to be well fertilized. But it will not do to 

 give deep cultivation ; disturbing the roots in spring causes many of 

 the berries to drop from the stems, thus early shedding perhaps one- 

 half the fruit. 



Early in spring as possible plough directly in centre between the 

 rows, throwing dirt each side toward the plants ; then with hoes or 

 very shallow cultivating, work it back to centre gradually, so as to 

 give as level cultivation as possible. 



Either purchase or grow strong two-year plants, and set them late in 

 October ; tread earth solid about the roots, and throw a large shovelful 

 of manure on the top — use the scoop-shovel. This could be done after 

 ground is frozen or during winter ; it prevents heaving, and early 

 spring rains wash enough into the soil to give them a good start and 

 keep ground cool and moist. Cut back one-third to one-half each 

 year's growth from the start, and cut out most of the sucker growth 

 around the roots ; in this way trimming is simple, you keep your bush 

 compact and it grows stocky, with plenty of foliage to protect the fruit 

 from late spring frosts and sun-scald, thus giving you a longer season 

 to market the fruit in good order, bright and plump. 



Currants grown this way will make good jell later in August, and 

 we have picked them for table use in October "from Victoria. Set 

 them not less than 5-5 ft. Strong growers require nearer 6-6 if to be 

 cultivated both ways, where the soil is suited to them, should have a 

 good dressing of bone and potash in some form once in two years at 

 least. The largest fruit always sells best, and can be picked at one- 

 half the price of the small varieties. If possible, mulch the entire 

 surface of the ground when berries are half grown, or before fruit 

 weighs the bushes down into the dirt ; this keeps fruit clean and 

 increases size. 



Spray with hellebore when first worms are found. Hellebore kills 

 by contact as well as by eating it ; use a large spoonful to three gallons 



