96 THE CURRANT. 



duce poor and small fruit, and should never bo per- 

 mitted to grow. 



The best way of propagating the currant is to cut 

 off in the early spring, before the buds swell, the 

 growth of the last year, close to the old wood ; make 

 the cuttings one foot long ; remove all the eyes except 

 some three or four at the top of the cutting, to prevent 

 suckers ; then place it compactly in good sandy soil to 

 half its depth, or six inches, and by good care in one 

 year it will be sufficiently established for transplant- 

 ing. In new, rare varieties, it can be more rapidly 

 increased by layering, where the first branches have 

 been allowed to grow near the surface of the earth. It 

 should always be cultivated in the form of small bush 

 trees, and by a skilful hand can be easily made to 

 assume a handsome pyramidal or espalier form. All 

 superfluous wood should be carefully pruned out every 

 winter, and the plant invigorated with rich manure in 

 the spring. The currant and gooseberry can hardly be 

 over-fed. Each bush should be renewed every six or 

 eight years, as young vigorous plants of most fruits 

 produce the largest and best specimens. It will bear 

 very well partially shaded by trees or shrubbery, yet 

 the fruit will be the richest and best flavored with plenty 

 of air and sun, and therefore a southern aspect is 

 desirable. 



