CHAPTER VI. 



THE CURRANT. 



WHO that has ever lived in the country does 

 not remember the old straggling currant- 

 bushes that disputed their existence with grass, 

 docks, and other coarse-growing weeds along some 

 ancient fence? Many also can recall the weary 

 task of gathering a quart or two of the diminutive 

 fruit for pies, and the endless picking required to 

 obtain enough for the annual jelly-making. Nor 

 is this condition of affairs a thing of the past. 

 Drive through the land where you will in early 

 July, and you will see farmers mowing round the 

 venerable Red Dutch currants "to give the women- 

 folks a chance at *em." The average farmer still 

 bestows upon this fruit about as much attention as 

 the aborigines gave to their patches of maize. 

 This seems very absurd when we remember the 

 important place held in the domestic economy by 

 the currant, and how greatly it improves under 

 decent treatment. If it demanded the attention 

 which a cabbage-plant requires, it would be given ; 

 but the currant belongs to that small class of 



