VARIETIES OF GOOSEBERRIES 399 



canthoides, in the wild state, and while generally 

 prickly, is often smooth. The fruit of R. rotundi- 

 folium is small but agreeable, and the plants are very 

 productive, while R. gracile is found all over the Plains, 

 and is, therefore, well adapted to that region. 



AMERICAN GOOSEBERRIES 



Chiefly Ribes oxyacanthoides 



The American varieties have vigor, hardiness, ease 

 of propagation, and superior quality to recommend 

 them, being inferior only in size, which must steadily 

 improve as selection and breeding go on. 



Apex. A variety from Oregon. Said to be a native seedling, 

 though somewhat resembling the European type in growth and 

 general appearance. T. T. Lyon, Mich. Exp. Sta. Bull. 118:23. 



Champion. Said to have originated with O. Dickinson, Salem, 

 Oregon. Plant upright, prolific. Fruit large, uniform, transparent, 

 with tender skin. Said to endure neglect well, and to be an excel- 

 lent shipper. Popular in Indiana. 



Downing. The great American gooseberry. More widely grown 

 and more generally prized than any other known sort. Originated 

 by Charles Downing at Newburg, N. Y., from seed of the Hough- 

 ton. Pure seedlings of this variety grown at the Geneva (N. Y.) 

 Experiment Station, while not generally closely resembling the 

 parent, seem, in some cases, to indicate a mixture of foreign blood, 

 so that Professor Beach is led to consider this a hybrid between 

 the American and European gooseberry. Downing describes it as 

 upright, vigorous and productive. Fruit somewhat larger than 

 Houghton, roundish oval, whitish green, with the rib-veins dis- 

 tinct. Skin smooth ; flesh rather soft, juicy, very good. Excel- 

 lent for family use. It has seldom mildewed in the United States, 

 and succeeds over a wide area. Houghton is said to be sometimes 

 sold for this variety because more easily propagated. The fruit 

 must be picked very soon after reaching full size, for it ripens 

 quickly and becomes too soft for handling or shipment. In quality 

 it is superior to the European varieties, and surpassed by few, if 

 any, native sorts. 



