414 BUSH-FRUITS 



produced in great profusion. Unfortunately, it is 

 not entirely hardy in the northern states, needing some 

 protection, which the beauty of its bloom will well 

 repay. 



A hardier plant is the hybrid between the preceding 

 species, and Ribes aureum, which is commonly known 

 under the name Ribes Gordonianum. This is not so 

 hardy as Ribes aureum, but will stand more exposure 

 than Ribes sanguineum. It is intermediate in character 

 between the two parents, resembling R. sanguineum in 

 shape of flower, though the flowers are lighter in color 

 and nearly odorless, while the character of bush is 

 more like R. aureum. Although not a common plant, 

 it has been well known, both here and abroad, and fre- 

 quently mentioned in horticultural literature. 



Several species of the Menziesii group have large, 

 attractive flowers, particularly R. amictum, and R. Cali- 

 fornicum ; also, R. Lobbii. Whether they would prove 

 attractive in habit of plant and sufficiently well adapted 

 to cultivation to give them value, I am unable to say. 



The common gooseberries may well play a part in 

 systematic ornamental planting for the production of 

 easy and graceful spring effects. Were it not for the 

 habit of early losing their leaves, there would be few 

 plants more useful. R. oxyacanthoides and R. gracile 

 are especially desirable. 



The native black currant, Ribes Americanum, also 

 forms a pretty and graceful shrub, and its flowers are 

 large enough to add to its beauty. 



