THE CURRANT. 81 



may be grown as bushes (Fig. 26) for ordinary cultivation, 

 or as single, double, and triple cordons (Fig. 9), and stan- 

 dards (Figs. 32 and 33). Cordons are suitable for 

 growing against low walls or fences, and standards on 

 borders by the side of paths. Very fine fruit may be ob- 

 tained from cordons, and, when trained to a wall or fence, 

 it is possible to preserve the fruit for a long time from 

 birds by fixing fish-netting over the trees. Cordons should 

 be planted i2in. apart. 



Standards are reared from cuttings in autumn. In 

 spring, when new growth begins, allow the topmost young 

 shoot to grow, training it up a stake, and shorten any 

 side shoots that form to two leaves. When the leader 

 has attained a height of about 4ft., cut off its point in 

 autumn. In the following season three or more side 

 shoots will form. Let these grow till the following winter, 

 then prune them to about 8 or 9in., when the foundation 

 for the head will be assured. At the same time cut clean 

 away any spurs that may have formed on the main stem, 

 so as to leave the latter perfectly clear. Standards may 

 be planted 6ft. apart by the side of paths. 



Garden Culture. As already explained, Currants may 

 be grown in plots by themselves or between pyramid or 

 bush-trained fruit trees in mixed plantations, or by the 

 side of garden paths. In the latter case, they should be 

 planted at least 4ft. from the paths. The best time to 

 plant is in November, but it may be done as late as Feb- 

 ruary. Dig out holes 2ft. wide and one spit deep* Fork 

 up the subsoil, and, if poor, mix some well-rotted manure 

 with it. Place the bush in the centre, and cover the roots 

 with about 6in. of soil, and tread it down firmly, after- 

 wards mulching the surface with manure. When the 

 trees have been planted a year they should be given 

 annual mulchings of rotten manure in winter. The best 

 way to do this is to remove the soil to a depth of 4in. 

 and a diameter of 3ft. or so around each bush, add 3in. 

 of manure, and cover this with soil. In summer frequent 



G 



