142 THE HOME ACRE. 



then the requisites of moisture and shelter from 

 the burning rays of the sun should be complied 

 with as far as possible. In giving this and kindred 

 fruits partial shade, they should not be compelled 

 to contend to any extent with the roots of trees. 

 This will ever prove an unequal contest. No fruit 

 can thrive in dense shade, or find sustenance among 

 the voracious roots of a tree. 



Select, therefore, if possible, heavy, deep, moist, 

 yet well-drained soil, and do not fear to make and 

 keep it very rich. If you are restricted to sandy 

 or gravelly soils, correct their defects with com- 

 post, decayed leaves and sods, muck, manure from 

 the cow-stable, and other fertilizers with staying 

 rather than stimulating qualities. Either by 

 ploughing or forking, deepen as well as enrich 

 the soil. It is then ready for the plants, which 

 may be set out either in the fall or in early spring. 

 I prefer the autumn, any time after the leaves 

 have fallen; but spring answers almost as well, 

 while buds are dormant, or partially so. It should 

 be remembered that the currant starts very early, 

 and is in full foliage before some persons are 

 fairly wakened to garden interests. It would, in 

 this case, be better to wait until October, unless 

 the plants can be obtained from a neighbor on a 

 cloudy day; then they should be cut back two 

 thirds of their length before being removed, and 



