GOOSEBERRY. 157 



into spurs, from an inch to two inches in length. The 

 leading shoots are left about six inches long. Some 

 careful cultivators reduce the young shoots to about half 

 their length as soon as the fruit begins to color, an ope- 

 ration which, in consequence of the more free admission 

 of sun, is found to increase the size and improve the 

 flavor of the berries. 



Of Hibesf nigrum, Lin., or black currant, there are 

 several varieties, of which we need mention only the 

 Common Black,- and the Black Naples. The latter is 

 accounted the preferable . sort. The black currant 

 thrives best in a moist, deep soil, and shady situation. 

 Its culture is much the same as that of the other cur- 

 rants, but the young shoots are not spurred. All the 

 pruning necessary is to keep the branches free of each 

 other, and to promote a succession of young wood. 



The American Congress of Fruit-growers at its meet- 

 ing in the City of New York in 1849, recommended the 

 following as the best varieties of currants for cultivation : 

 Red Dutch, Black Naples, White Dutch, May's Vic- 

 toria, and White Grape. 



The Gooseberry. — Botanists distinguished two 

 species ; Bibes Groesularia, or rough-fruited gooseber- 

 ry ; and Rihes uva crispa, or smooth-fruited gooseber- 

 ry. The gooseberry has always been a favorite fruit in 

 Great Britain, and. is said to be produced in the middle 

 districts of the island in greater perfection than in any 

 other part of the world. Many very large sorts have 

 originated in Lancashire, where the culture has been 

 carried to a high degree of refinement ; but it is to be 

 regretted that loeight seems, unreasonably enough, to 

 be regarded in the prize competitions in that duchy as 



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