140 BIGGIE BERRY BOOK. 



of water. The sulphide is most quickly dissolved in 

 hot water. It is sometimes called liver of sulphur. 

 The first application should be made in early spring, 

 before the leaves open. 



One of the worst gooseberry diseases is leaf spot, a 

 parasitic fungus. Where this trouble exists there 

 should be an application of Bordeaux mixture before 

 the fruit begins to grow and several applications after 

 the fruit has been picked. The bearing season is 

 omitted on account of spotting the berries. 



Good underdrainage, good culture, proper pruning, 

 etc. , go far toward preventing both mildew and leaf 

 spot. It is also advised that gooseberry bushes be 

 kept away from tight fences or buildings, or places 

 where the free circulation of the air is hindered ; 

 though I am inclined to think that poor underdrain- 

 age is the most common cause of these troubles. 



American gooseberry yields are variable, and fig- 

 ures are hard to obtain. We have as yet but a 

 comparatively small number of extensive growers. 

 Perhaps 2,000 quarts of gooseberries per acre is a fair 

 average, but 4,000 quarts per acre is a not uncommon 

 crop. The net profit per acre may be estimated at $150, 

 as an average, with more than double that sum in spe- 

 cial instances. Prices vary from three to ten cents per 

 quart. 



VARIETIES. 



We show on colored Plate XX five varieties true to life 

 Chautauqua, Columbus, Houghtou, Downing and Smith's Im- 

 proved. These are all native sorts, and are recommended. 



A recent U. S. Yearbook says: "The gooseberries most 

 widely grown are Houghton, Pale Red and Downing, all of 

 American origin and parentage, though in some localities Indus- 



