368 ']"hK CaNA1)IAN HOKIICILI UKIST. 



GOOSEliERRV CULTURE. 



HE mosl important thing connected with gooseberry culture is 

 judicious pruning. This work, whicli cannot be neglected, is 

 done from late autumn to early winter. Many of the vigorous- 

 growing shoots and branches are annually removed, and only a 

 moderate supply of young growing wood is left. The bush is 

 made to assume a cup-shaped top, with slightly drooping branches. The 

 cultivation and manuring are like that just described for the currant. As far as 

 I have learned, the varieties of gooseberry in cultivation in (ireat Britain are far 

 more numerous than the varieties of any other small fruit, and the choice of 

 variety appears to depend to a large degree upon locality. Eor ])icking green or 

 for preserving when ripe, the Whitesmith, Early .Sulphur, and Warrington, appear 

 to be general favorites. Crown Bob, well known in many American gardens, is 

 also a much prized sort, and its large, finely-colored fruit sells well in the market. 

 Other varieties largely grown are Red Rifleman, Golden Drop, Monarch and 

 Lancashire Lad. I believe that Lancashire, one of the northern counties of 

 England, is quite famous for its gooseberries, and usually succeeds in capturing 

 a large number of the prizes offered for this fruit at horticultural exhibitions. 

 Many new varieties were originated in this county, and the names with which 

 they have been heralded to the world are not unlike those used by our own origi- 

 nators. Among some of the best known I find the following : Roaring Lion, 

 Leveller, Napoleon, Red Champagne, etc. Whinham's Industry is also highly 

 regarded, and is thought to be one of the leading sorts. 



I can speak less confidently of the yield of an average crop of gooseberries 

 than I could of that of currants. The greater number of varieties in cultivation, 

 and the fact that more skill is required in pruning, are among the reasons why 

 the " average " crop is variable. Good growers are not satisfied with anything 

 less than a crop of 7,000 pounds an acre. The price received for goose- 

 berries varies greatly. Early fruit of choice varieties, raised in sheltered localities, 

 often brings from 15 to 18 cents a pound. But this is exceptional. I'nder 

 ordinary circumstances, the price received for the first few pickings is 6 or 8 cents 

 a pound. It soon falls, however, a fair average price for the whole crop would 

 be three or four cents a pound. 



Gooseberries are bought very largely for canning and preserving, as well as 

 fi^r immediate use as a des.sert fruit, or for jiuddings, tarts, etc. I judge that the 

 expense of raising gooseberries is about the same as that of raising currants 

 perhaps a little more. It can scarcely fall below $100 an acre. 



Both the currant and gooseberry bushes, especially the latter, are subject to 

 attacks from the currant worm or saw-fly (Netnaius). In order Ui check the 

 ravages of this insect, (juick lime, lime ashes, or soot, is scattered close around 

 the bushes late in autumn, and dug into the soil. This is said by many to be 



