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calyx which forms an envelope. They are sweet and pleasant, and 

 are considerably used for stewing or for preserves, and also for 

 eating. 



The seeds are sown in the spring in seed beds, like tomatoes, 

 and then transplanted a month or two after and set 8x6 feet apart. 

 They are easily propagated from off-shoots in the autumn. 



In the autumn cut right back, manure in the early spring, 

 and fresh growth will come up. Picking is a tedious and costly 

 process, the price paid being about If d. a lb.,a man pi eking about 401bs. 

 in one day. This is done when the calyx is seen to dry up ; the 

 fruit is also often allowed to fall on the ground and then picked up. 



THE CURRANT (Ribes), 



Like the Gooseberry, belongs to the natural order Grossulacese 

 and to the genus Ribes, of which two species, viz., JR. nigrum is the 

 parent of the Black Currant and jR. rubrum that of the Red and of 

 the White Currant. The currants are indigenous of Northern 

 Europe. 



Low, deciduous shrubs, with smooth stems; leaves variable, 

 and not unlike a vine leaf in outlines ; more or less lobed ; flowers 

 small, yellow, crimson or white. 



The English name Currant is derived from Corinth on account 

 of their resemblance with the Zante Grape, which was formerly 

 almost entirely imported from Corinth. 



Propagation by cuttings when the wood is ripe is generally 

 resorted to. The buds, except the topmost two, which are above the 

 ground, are cut off before setting in order to check the suckering 

 habit of the plant. The soil must be heavy rather than light and 

 sandy, and must also be fertile and well manured, the plant being a 

 gross feeder. 



The white varieties are the mildest flavoured, and, therefore, 

 better for eating when used fresh from the bush. The red are 

 preferable for jellies, etc., on account of their beautiful colour ; 

 many of them possess a musky taste. Currants may be planted 

 5ft. x 5ft. or 6ft. x 4ft. apart. 



BLACK NAPLES. One of the largest and best black currants ; 

 has a musky flavour. A vigorous grower, bears profusely after 

 a few years. 



LEE'S PROLIFIC. Very similar in quality to the Black Naples, 

 but the plants are more productive. 



VERSAILLES. Dark red, not so acid as the cherry, which it 

 resembles. Fruit of the largest size. Plant a coarse grower, 

 productive and excellent for marketing purposes. 



WHITE DUTCH. A. vigorous, upright grower; productive; 

 very large and sweet berries, yellowish white ; good for dessert. 



