174 AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



hardy native stock has been found to give a choice fruit in 

 great abundance, and with more certainty than could be se- 

 cured by an entire exotic. Of the European, the varieties of 

 Chasselas, Black Hamburgh, and White Muscat of Alexan- 

 dria, are the best. In a good grapery and with artificial heat 

 and proper attention, these can undoubtedly be raised at a 

 price which would yield to the horticulturist an adequate re- 

 turn, and for this purpose they are the best kinds to propagate, 

 furnishing a long succession of fruit in its finest variety. 



THE CURRANT 



Is the first in importance of the small garden fruits. In 

 cookery it has many valuable uses and is wholesome and 

 delicious when ripe. It grows with the greatest certainty 

 and luxuriance either from the suckers or cuttings. The 

 ground should be rich and well worked and the bushes set at 

 least six feet apart. They require plenty of sun and air like 

 all other fruits. The Red is the most common kind, but the 

 large Dutch White is sweeter and more delicious, a great 

 bearer, larger, and as easily cultivated. The English Black 

 is very productive, of great size, and makes a fine jelly. It 

 has peculiar efficacy in sickness. The usual mode of plant- 

 ing currants near fences is objectionable. They should stand 

 out where the gardener can get around them and where the 

 fruit can have plenty of air and sun. This improves the 

 fruit, and insects and vermin are more effectually pre.vented 

 from harboring beneath the bushes. 



THE GOOSEBERRY. 



This makes a palatable tart and as a ripe fruit possesses 

 some excellence. It is easily raised, and prefers a cool, 

 moist, rich soil in a sheltered position. It has been brought 

 to the highest perfection in Lancashire, England, and in Scot- 

 land, under the influence of their cool weather and intermina- 

 ble fogs and rains. It has long been cultivated in America, 

 but with little success ; for though frequently abundant, the 

 flavor is indifferent in comparison with American fruits gen- 

 erally. For those who design to cultivate them, the nursery 

 catalogues are a sufficient reference. As a tart they are infe- 

 rior to the rhubarb, or pie-plant, which can be grown with 

 little trouble or expense, in great profusion in every fertile 

 and well tilled garden ; and it is in season from May till 

 August, when apples are sufficiently advanced to take its 

 place. 



