THE RED CURRANT. 91 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



CURB ANT AND GOOSEBERRY. 



THE RED CURRANT (Ribes rubrurri) The cultivation and use 

 of the Currant has increased rapidly in the past few years, and 

 while in no way can it be compared with the grape or Strawberry 

 in the large amount of fruit consumed, yet its refreshing acid 

 makes it one of the most healthful summer fruits. 



PROPAGATION. It is easily propagated by cuttings and layers. 

 Cuttings are best made when the leaves begin to fade in August 

 or September. They are made of the new wood, from six to 

 eight inches in length, and should be planted at once, in a very 

 rich, moist loam, as directed for grape cuttings and root-grafts; 

 being sure to give the soil a firm pressure around the base. Be- 

 fore the ground freezes in the fall the bed should be covered 

 with several inches of mulch to prevent the action of frost throw- 

 ing them out. Cuttings may also be made in the spring, but they 

 do not root so readily nor make as strong plants as when planted 

 in the fall. At one or two years they are ready to be planted in 

 the field. 



The best soil for the growth of large fruit is a deep, rich, moist 

 loam, but well underdrained. The best distance for planting is 

 four by six feet. This will allow of the use of the horse in cul- 

 tivation, both ways, the two or three first seasons. Any hoed 

 crop may be planted between the rows, one way, the first season. 

 At from two to three years from planting, fruit is produced in 

 moderately paying quautities,and with good cultivation the bushes 

 may be expected to produce good crops for twenty-five years. 

 By good cultivation, I mean the annual application of from five 

 to ten cords of good stable manure per acre, or its equivalent of 

 bone and potash, and the destruction of weeds and grass before 

 they can do any harm. 



PRUNING AND TRAINING. The Currant is trained in both the 

 bush and the tree form, but the former is the best, except for 

 ornamental gardens, as it is the most natural method of growth, 

 and requires the least labor. 



