FIG — GOOSEBERRI 



427 



with earth. In commercial cultivation, fig trees grow large, and they 

 stand 18 to 25 feet apart; but in gardens where they are to be bent over, 

 they are to be kept as bushes. 



Adriatic is the most commonly grown white fig. Among the other 

 varieties are California Black or Mission Fig, Brown Ischia, Brown 

 Turkey, White Ischia, and Celeste (Celestial). 



Gooseberry. — The gooseberry differs little from the currant in its 

 requirements as to soil, pruning, and general care. The plants should 

 be set 3 to 4 feet apart ; 

 rows 5 to 7 feet apart. 

 Select a rich, rather 

 moist soil. The tops 

 need no winter protec- 

 tion. If mildew and 

 worms are to be kept 

 in check, spraying must 

 be begun with the very 

 first sign of trouble and 

 be thoroughly done 

 (pp. 203, 209). 



The propagation of 

 the gooseberry is similar 

 to that of the currant, 

 although the practice 

 of earthing up a whole 

 plant, causing every 

 branch thus covered to 

 throw out roots, is prac- 

 ticed with the European varieties. The rooted branches are cut off 

 the following spring and planted in nursery rows or sometimes directly 

 in the field. In order to succeed with this method, the plant should 

 have been cut back to the ground so that all the shoots are yearling. 



Since the advent of the practice of spraying with fungicides to pre- 

 vent mildew, the culture of the gooseberry has increased. There is 

 now no reason why, with a little care, good crops of many of the best 

 English varieties may not be grown. 



277. One of the English-American gooseberries. 



