THE 



Canadian Horticulturist 



Vol. XIV. 



1801. 



No. 6. 



DOWNING GOOSEBERRY. 



ANADIAN fruit growers have not, thus far, entered very 

 largely into the cultivation of the gooseberry for market. It 

 will, therefore, surprise them to learn that in that excellent 

 work, the " Dictionary of Gardening," edited by Mr Geo. 

 Nicholson, of Kew Gardens, over eight) distinct varieties of 

 gooseberries are named and described, very few of which 

 are in the Icctst degree familiar, even by name. The explana- 

 tion is that the cool, moist climate of England is exactly fitted to bring about 

 the best results in gooseberry culture, while in our dry, hot summers, the mildew 

 utterly ruins these foreign kinds. 



A few natives, however, have been found to succeed admirably in Ontario, 

 and to these we must look for the success in this industry, which we are sure 

 will be extended in the near future, as improved varieties are introduced which 

 are adapted to our own country. 



The gooseberry is largely used in England in the green state for pies, tarts 

 and puddings, and were the fruit present in larger quantities and in greater variety 

 in our markets, there is no doubt the demand for it would be increased to an 

 almost unlimited extent. 



Of the few native varieties which have so far been introduced into cultivation 

 in Ontario, the Downing is by far the best and most popular. It originated some 

 years ago, at Newburgh, on the Hudson, and is now widely disseminated. The 

 fruit is of a medium size, roundish-oval, and of a pale green color ; the rib veins 



