SOIL FOR THE CURRANT 339 



There seems to have been a boom in currant cul- 

 ture about 1856, and American nurserymen were not 

 able to keep pace with the demand,* but in recent 

 years there has been little fluctuation, the demand 

 having been steady with the markets seldom glutted. 



SOIL AND LOCATION 



Currants will thrive and bear some fruit on almost 

 any soil, but, as their natural habitat indicates, in 

 order to produce really satisfactory and profitable 

 crops they need a cool and moist soil. Experience 

 has fully demonstrated this fact. The best results 

 are, therefore, to be expected from strong clay loams. 

 Even a stiff clay, under good culture, will be found 

 satisfactory. Strong, moist, sandy loams, if not too 

 light, are also good. In the selection of a site, the 

 natural habitat of the plant will point to a cool 

 northern exposure. A proper site may in part offset 

 the disadvantage of an unfavorable soil. Low, moist 

 ground, with some reduction in the intensity of the 

 sun's rays, will be found advantageous. For this rea- 

 son the currant often thrives well in orchards. This 

 is most satisfactory in those regions approaching the 

 limit of its adaptability to culture. For family use, 

 it may be planted on the north side of buildings or 

 fences. Mulching tends to accomplish the same end, 

 since it keeps the soil shaded and cool. 



Regions somewhat elevated are generally more sat- 



* Horticulturist, 1856:210. 



