228 THE GOOSEBERRY. 



course is reversed, and No. one takes place of No. two. This sup- 

 plies 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, at- 

 taching itself to the fruit and covering its surface as with an appear- 

 ance of scurf. It is induced by heat, want of moisture in the atmos- 

 phere 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 bottles nearly full of berries, then turning in clear soft 

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

 ing 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. As before remarked, the varieties of the Gooseberry 

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

 rying 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 hi this country. 



BRIGHT VENUS. (Taylor's.) 



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

 flavor best, hangs a long time. 



BUNKER HILL. (Capper's.) 



Branches spreading ; fruit yellow, large, roundish, smooth, flavor 

 very good. 



CHAMPAGNE. 



Branches erect; fruit red, small, roundish oblong, hairy, very- 

 good ; extremely productive. 



