SMALL FKUITS. 49 



Among the newer varieties, the following promise well : 

 Durand's Seedling, Ida, Metcalf's Early, Philadelphia, 

 Great Eastern, New Jersey Scarlet. 



GOOSEBERRIES. 



Mildew still prevents any great progress in Gooseberry 

 culture, especially if we attempt it with the foreign varie- 

 ties. If only young and thrifty plants are used, a fair crop 

 may be relied upon in almost any moderately rich soil ; 

 but when the plants become old, they are almost certain 

 to be more or less aifected by mildew, especially in the 

 Middle and Southern States. Those who desire to culti- 

 vate the best foreign kinds should not neglect to plant a 

 feAV cuttings every year, so as to keep a constant supply 

 of young plants on hand. If the soil is naturally dry and 

 warm, it is best to mulch the plants during the hottest 

 weather. Thin out and shorten the young wood every 

 year, so that the air can have free access to the fruit and 

 leaves. Our native kinds are almost entirely exempt from 

 mildew when properly pruned and cultivated. Of these 

 the Downing is the best in quality, and the Mountain the 

 largest. The Houghton Seedling and the Cluster are 

 also excellent varieties. Gooseberries require a rich soil 

 and good culture. 



CRANBERRIES. 



Cranberry culture is rapidly becoming a prominent fea- 

 ture in American Horticulture. The greatest obstacle to 

 its culture has been the expense of preparing the soil, but 

 in the last few years companies have been formed with 

 abundant means to plant Cranberry fields on an extensive 



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