346 BUSH-FRUITS 



depends so much upon climate, however, that it is 

 unsafe to lay down a general rule. Throughout the 

 western plains, where the winters are dry and open, 

 fall planting is always uncertain, though with care- 

 ful protection it may succeed. Whatever the location, 

 if the planting is done early enough in spring there 

 is nothing to fear. If neglected until the plants have 

 started into growth, the check must always seri- 

 ously affect the first season's results. 



SUBSEQUENT TILLAGE 



Cultivation of the currant should be shallow. The 

 roots run near the surface, and are likely to be in- 

 jured by plowing, or even by the ordinary cultiva- 

 tor. Frequent stirring of the soil with a light 'har- 

 row-tooth cultivator or a spring -tooth cultivator hav- 

 ing the teeth set well back, is most desirable. It 

 may be owing to this habit of shallow rooting, that 

 both the currant and the gooseberry succeed especially 

 well with mulching. Any refuse material like straw, 

 weeds, wild grass, or even coal ashes, may be used. 

 The mulching not only replaces cultivation in keeping 

 down weeds and retaining moisture, but helps to keep 

 the fruit clean as well. This is a good way to grow 

 currants for family use, especially if they occupy 

 small or inaccessible corners of the yard or garden, 

 where cultivation is inconvenient or must be done by 

 hand. In the well arranged fruit -garden, where the 

 plants occupy definite rows, and also in field culture, 

 cultivation is far more practicable than mulching. 



