OF CURRANTS. 217 



November. Black Currants are very much esteemed 

 by some ; yet they are seldom sent to the table, but 

 are very useful for making jelly, frequently taken 

 for sore throats, colds, &c.* 



On the Propagation of Currants, 



Currants may be raised from seed, layers, &c. 

 When the trees are cut low, you may lay down 

 some of the branches either in Winter or Spring, 

 when the ground in the quarters or rows is dug, 

 which should always be done annually. In the 

 Autumn following, these layers will have made fine 

 roots } you may then plant them out where you 

 wish them to stand, and they will bear fine fruit in 

 the following Summer. 



Currants may also be propagated by cuttings, as 

 Gooseberries ; always remembering to make choice 

 of the strongest and straightest shoots. 



♦ In Ireland, Black Currants are frequently steeped in whisky, 

 of which they make punch, and recommend it as a good medi- 

 cine for coughs and colds. I once had two gallons of it sent 

 jme by a friend for that purpose ; some of it was taken in a glass 

 of warm water by a person who was very much afflicted with a 

 severe cough, and thought to be in a decline, which effected a 

 perfect cure in three or four nights. 



The Currants, for this purpose, should be bruised and put in 

 a jar, and the whisky poured over them : let it stand for a week 

 or fortnight, covering it close down ; then strain it through a 

 fine cloth or sieve, and put it in bottles or casks for use. Cur- 

 rants may be used in this manner with brandy, gin, or any other 

 spirits. They may also be preserved as Cherries, and sent up 

 to table. 



