2io Success with Small Fruits. 



acid fruit of these wildings was not calculated to inspire enthusiasm ; but a 

 people possessing the surer qualities of patience and perseverance deter- 

 mined to develop them, and, as a result, we have the old Red and White 

 Dutch varieties, as yet unsurpassed for the table. In the Victoria, Cherry, 

 and White Grape, we have decided advances in size, but not in flavor. 



CHOICE AND PREPARATION OF SOIL. 



The secret of success in the culture of currants is suggested by the fact 

 that nature has planted nearly every species of the Ribes in cold, damp, 

 northern exposures. Throughout the woods and bogs of the Northern 

 Hemisphere is found the scraggy, untamed, hardy stock from which has 

 been developed the superb White Grape, whose translucent beauty is 

 scarcely reproduced even by the fine engraving. As with people, so with 

 plants; development does not eradicate constitutional traits and tendencies. 

 Beneath all is the craving for the primeval conditions of life, and the best 

 success with the currant and gooseberry will assuredly be obtained by those 

 who can give them a reasonable approach to the soil, climate, and culture 

 suggested by their damp, cold, native haunts. As with the strawberry, 

 then, the first requisite is, not wetness, but abundant and continuous moist- 

 ure. Soils naturally deficient in this, and which cannot be made drought- 

 resisting by deep plowing and cultivation, are not adapted to the currant. 

 Because this fruit is found wild in bogs, it does not follow that it can be 

 grown successfully in undrained swamps. It will do better in such places 

 than on dry, gravelly knolls, or on thin, light soils ; but our fine, civilized 

 varieties need civilized conditions. The well-drained swamp may become 

 the very best of currant fields ; and damp, heavy land, that is capable of 

 deep, thorough cultivation, should be selected if possible. When such is 

 not to be had, then, by deep plowing, subsoiling, by abundant mulch around 

 the plants throughout the summer, and by occasional watering in the gar- 

 den, counteracting the effects of lightness and dryness of soil, skill can go 

 far in making good nature's deficiencies. 



Next to depth of soil and moisture, the currant requires fertility. It is 

 justly called one of the " gross feeders," and is not particular as to the 

 quality of its food, so that it is abundant. I would still suggest, however, 

 that it be fed according to its nature with heavy composts, in which muck, 

 leaf-mold, and the cleanings of the cow-stable are largely present. Wood 

 ashes and bone meal are also most excellent. If stable or other light 

 manures must be used, I would suggest that they be scattered liberally on 



