232 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



and fertilization. However this may be, it is conceded by 

 the best growers that carefully selected plants of the several 

 varieties do have distinct characteristics. Among the varie- 

 ties most gro^vn the best are the Cherry, Fay's Prolific, Red 

 Dutch, Victoria and White Grape. The white currants are 

 much less acid and of better quality than the red kinds, but 

 are not so readily sold in the markets. The Victoria is 

 said to be especially valuable, because of its hanging so long 

 on the bushes after ripening. Three new varieties of very 

 superior quality have recently been introduced, which will 

 be of especial value for home use, if not for market; i.e., 

 Wilder and Pomona Red, and White Imperial, all of which 

 are much less acid than the old sorts, and have a remarkably 

 aromatic and delicious flavor. 



Insects. 

 As with almost any crop on the farm or garden, the cur- 

 rant is injured by insects. The "currant worm" comes 

 upon the bushes soon after the leaves begin to unfold, and 

 in a few days destroys all of the foliage unless checked in its 

 work. The best remedy is powdered hellebore, dusted over 

 the bushes while the leaves are wet with dew or rain, or 

 sprayed with water mixed at the rate of one tablespoonful of 

 hellebore to a common two-gallon pail of water. 



Fungous Diseases. 

 The failure of many a currant plantation to yield a profit 

 has often been due to the leaves being destroyed by a leaf 

 blight that first appears as small dots on the lower leaves. 

 These increase in size and number, and soon cause the leaves 

 to fall, preventing a full maturity of the canes and fruit 

 buds. This injury is prevented by spraying with the Bor- 

 deaux mixture * just as the blossoms are set, and again as 

 soon as the fruit is picked. 



Red Raspberry. 



The red raspberry is considered the most delicious of the 

 small fruits. It brings the highest price in the market, and 



* See Bulletin No. 44, Hatch Experiment Station. 



