VARIETIES. 230 



stem; the third, trimmed same as first; fourth, same as second, nnd 

 so on alternately. The next year this course is reversed, and No. 

 one takes place of No. two. This supplies fresh wood, and some 

 think the increased vigor given to the plant in only fruiting every 

 other year, has a tendency to prevent mildew. 



Mildew. This is regarded as a parasitical plant or fungus, attach- 

 ing itself to the fruit and covering its surface as with an appearance 

 of scurf. It is induced by heat, want of moisture in the atmosphere 

 and free circulation of air, and perhaps unhealthy state of the plant. 

 The remedies are : mulching the ground three or four inches deep, 

 with tan bark, sawdust, salt hay, or sea-weed, serving to keep the 

 roots cool and moist, and adding vigor to the plant. The salt is, by 

 some, regarded as effective in itself; we think it acts only in creating 

 moisture. Sprinkling the bushes freely early in Spring, and after the 

 fruit is set, twice a week, with strong soap-suds, or such as come from 

 the weekly wash of families, is also a preventive. 



Uses. In its green state, the Gooseberry is esteemed for pies, 

 tarts, &c., and is often bottled for winter use. This is done by fill- 

 ing the Dottles nearly full of berries, then turning in clear soft 

 water, then placing the bottles a few moments in boiling water, 

 corking and sealing, and burying them in a cool cellar with necks 

 downward. 



Half ripened, the fruit is capable of yielding a juice which, after 

 fermentation and a little necessary compounding, forms a liquor re- 

 sembling champagne. 



The ripe fruit is agreeable to the palate, and coming immediately 

 after cherries, when there is little variety, finds ready sale in market. 



VARIETIES. 



Varieties. As before remarked, the varieties of the Gooseberry 

 are far too numerous for any practical uses, very many of them vary- 

 ing only in some slight shape of the fruit or shade of leaf. We have 

 therefore selected the following, as kinds which have been well tested 

 in this country. 



BRIGHT VENUS. (Taylor's.) 



Branches erect ; fruit, whitish green, middle size, obovate, hairy ; ttavor 

 " best ;" hangs a long time. 



BUNKER HILL. (Capper's.) 



Branches spreading ; *'~>iit. yellow, large, roundish, smooth ; flavor very 

 good. 



