THE CURRANT. 141 



to which this fruit is put, but I do think its value 

 is but half appreciated. People rush round in July 

 in search of health : let me recommend the currant 

 cure. If any one is languid, depressed in spirits, 

 inclined to headaches, and generally "out of sorts," 

 let him finish his breakfast daily for a month with 

 a dish of freshly picked currants. He will soon 

 almost doubt his own identity, and may even begin 

 to think that he is becoming a good man. He 

 will be more gallant to his wife, kinder to his chil- 

 dren, friendlier to his neighbors, and more open- 

 handed to every good cause. Work will soon 

 seem play, and play fun. In brief, the truth of 

 the ancient pun will be verified, that " the power 

 to live a good life depends largely upon the liver" 

 Out upon the nonsense of taking medicine and 

 nostrums during the currant-season ! Let it be 

 taught at theological seminaries that the currant is 

 a " means of grace." It is a corrective ; and that 

 is what average humanity most needs. 



The currant, like the raspberry, is willing to 

 keep shady; but only because it is modest. It is 

 one of the fruits that thrive better among trees 

 than in too dry and sunny exposures. Therefore, 

 in economizing space on the Home Acre it may 

 be grown among smaller trees, or, better still, on 

 the northern or eastern side of a wall or hedge. 

 But shade is not essential, except as jwe go south ; 



