46 PROFITABLE FRUIT-GROWING. 



One or two growths of that nature may spoil a 

 single-stemmed bush. It is of little use cutting them 

 back, for it will only be cutting to ' come again" 

 stronger than before, and with the number increased. 

 It is true some persons do not object to growths 

 direct from the roots, but in that case they do not 

 remove any buds, and although they may have 

 good crops of fruit, they cannot be better than 

 from single-stemmed trees, which are much the 

 more convenient for working amongst, also for 

 gathering the crops; and, broadly speaking, one 

 kind of bush represents culture, the other slovenli- 

 ness. 



Supposing there is no sucker to our miniature 

 tree, as there should not be, how are the new 

 branches to be dealt with ? If they remain un- 

 shortened, they simply elongate, the lower pair 

 soon reaching the ground, except in the case of 

 upright growing sorts (which are not the most 

 profitable) and are then of little further use. A 

 great point to secure in Gooseberry growing is to 

 have the branches well above the soil, both for 

 keeping the fruit clean and admitting a free circu- 

 lation of air under and amongst the branches, this 

 conducing to fruitfulness. The first young branches 

 are thus cut back more than half their length, as 

 shown by the cross lines. The effect of this is that 



