CHAPTER XXVII. 



GOOSEBERRIES. 



I HAVE treated the currant very fully, not only because it is the more 

 popular fruit in this country, but also because the greater part of my 

 suggestions under that heading applies equally to this branch of the Ribes 

 tribe. Possessing the same general characteristics, it should be treated on 

 the same principles that were seen to be applicable to the currant. It 

 flourishes best in the same cool exposures, and is the better for partial 

 shade. Even in the south of England, the more tender-skinned varieties 

 often scald in the sun. However, I would recommend the shade of a 

 fence or a northern hill-side, rather than overhanging branches of trees. 

 A rich soil, especially one that is deep and moist, but not wet, is equally 

 requisite, and the rigorous annual pruning is even more essential. As the 

 wood becomes old and black, it should be cut out altogether. Fruit buds 

 and spurs are produced on wood two or more years old, and cutting back 

 causes these, but they must not be allowed to become too crowded. To 

 no fruit are air and light more essential. 



We have in this country two very distinct classes of gooseberries 

 the first of foreign origin, and the second consisting of our native species. 

 Gray thus describes Ribes Grossularia, garden or English gooseberry: 

 " Cultivated from Europe for the well-known fruit ; thorny and prickly, 

 with small, obtuse, three to five-lobed leaves, green flowers, one to three 

 on short pedicels, bell-shaped calyx, and large berry." 



This native of northern Europe, and the forests of the British Islands, 

 has been developed into the superb varieties which have been famous so 



