THE CURRANT 



Ribes rubrum, Lin. Grossularia of Botanists. 



The Currant of our gardens is from the north of Britain. The 

 native varieties of our country are valueless. Of easy growth, pro- 

 ducing abundance of fruit, even in the most neglected positions, it has 

 found its way into every garden, and is the first fruit shrub planted 

 by all new settlers. Had attention, commensurate with its merits, 

 ever been given to reproduction of varieties from seed, we have no 

 doubt the size might ere this have been increased, equaling that of 

 the Kentish Cherry. 



The Cherry Currant, a variety of comparative new introduction, 

 by cultivation in rich soil, comes nearest in size to what might be ex- 

 pected, and what we hope in few years to see realized. To the 

 Dutch horticulturists belongs the credit of first reproducing from 

 seed, and improving the currant ; and not until the latter period of 

 the life time of Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq., did English horticul- 

 turists give it any attention. Mr. Knight originated several new 

 kinds, varying, however, so slightly from the old Dutch Red as to 

 be hardly worth retaining as distinct varieties. 



Propagation. Where intention is to produce new and improved 

 varieties, seed should be selected from plants permitted to produce 

 but little fruit, in order to perfect and increase the vigor of seed. 

 When ripe, the fruit should be crushed sufficient to wash the seeds 

 clean, when they may be wrapped in paper and laid aside until early 

 in following spring, when they should be sown in light, rich soil, and 

 covered about half an inch deep ; or, they may be at once sown in 

 a cold frame or border with northern exposure, and, on approach of 

 winter, have two inches deep of tan bark or leaf mould scattered 

 among the plants. 



The continuance of varieties by means of cuttings is performed in 

 similar manner, and at same time as directed under head of Goose- 

 berries. 



Transplanting. This is best done in October, or early in spring; 

 but may be done at almost any season except July or August, as 

 the currant is so tenacious of life that failures to grow rarely occur. 

 The distance apart of plants should be not less than four feet each 

 way. 



Soil and Situation. The currant will grow in almost any soil, 

 producing fruit abundantly, but it is only when grown in rich, deep 

 soil, under high culture, that varieties exhibit their peculiar charac- 



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