SMALL FRUITS 219 



As both currants and gooseberries start into 

 growth very early in the spring it is advisable 

 to plant them in the fall. In very cold sections 

 they should have some protection during the 

 first winter, but after that they should be able 

 to withstand the climate with no protection at 

 all. Some varieties may be found which will 

 succeed even beyond our northern borders and 

 wild currants and gooseberries are probably to 

 be found farther north than any other fruit 

 with the exception of the cranberry. 



Both fruits should be given a moderately 

 rich soil and an occasional application of 

 manure will not be thrown away upon a bear- 

 ing plantation. Care must be exercised, espe- 

 cially in the case of the currant, to see that the 

 plants do not suffer from a lack of moisture. 

 I know of no other fruit which withstands 

 drouth conditions so poorly as does this one. 



Currants and gooseberries are tolerant of 

 shade and may be used as intercrops in 

 orchards or vineyards with good success. 

 They are planted five or six feet apart or in rows 

 six feet apart and the plants set four feet apart 

 in the rows. The first year any garden crop may 

 be grown between the rows to help pay for the 

 cultivation that is given to the bushes. 



Currants are readily picked as the bushes 

 are thornless, but as much can not be said for 

 the gooseberry which is heavily armored. A?j 



