THE CURRANTS 



Last year's growth is smooth, straight, and 

 light gray in color. The amount of this new 

 growth at the ends of older canes is an index 

 of their vigor. 



Because of the currant borer, all currants 

 should be grown in bush form rather than in 

 the form of a tree with a distinct trunk. If 

 borers destroy one cane in a bush there are 

 others left, but if the single trunk is destroyed 

 the little currant tree is lost. 



In pruning a currant bush the weak growths 

 should be removed first. Then thin out the 

 canes, removing the older ones and those that 

 made the least growth during the past season. 

 Varieties with an upright habit of growth, like 

 Prince Albert, should be pruned out in the 

 center to open them up, while spreading vari- 

 eties like Fay need to be pruned on the sides 

 to keep them off the ground. 



Prostrate branches of any variety should be 

 removed, for any fruit which they may bear 

 is likely to be dusty and of little value, while 

 one such cluster, inadvertently picked, tends 

 to spoil the whole basket. 



Harvesting 



When currants are to be used for jelly they 

 usually are picked a little green, at least be- 

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