BLACK CURRANTS 



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be cut out. Black currants pay for severe pruning : a greater weight of fine 

 fruit will be produced than when they are left unpruned ; then they bear a mass 

 of small berries. The culture is most simple. Feed them each year with the 

 richest pig or cow manure available (in Kent sprats and fish-heads are often 



Side Branch (Red Currant) Summer 

 Pruned 



(?) Summer growth pinched ; (/) point 

 of winter pruning ; (k) spur. 



Side Branch (Red Currant) Winter 

 Pruned 



[e] Leading growth shortened to below lateral 

 growth that pushed from upper buds after 

 pinching; (/) side shoots shortened to two 

 buds ; (g) short side shoot that may be left 

 entire, or shortened to two buds, as indicated 

 by cross line. 



used). Dig this manure in about Christmas, and level the soil in March with a 

 rough rake ; keep down weeds. Do not plant less than 8 feet apart if in 

 the open. Late fruits can be grown on north walls, but the black currant 

 does not lend itself to cordon-training, the old wood then cannot be removed 

 annually. 



The Best Black Currants 



Baldwin's (Carter's Champion). — A variety which originated in East Kent, and is 

 the best for general use. The berries are large and sweet. Carter's Champion is con- 

 sidered to be the same. 



BOSKOOP Giant or Mammoth.— This Dutch variety is a stronger grower than the 

 others, has large foliage, larger berries and longer bunches, and its vigorous stems seem 

 to resist the black currant mite better than other sorts. F.C.C. igo2. 



Black Naples or White Bud (Maple, Green Bud). — A dwarf-growing variety 

 of great excellence. Other sorts are Lee's Prolific and Victoria, but they do not differ 

 materially from the three named. 



The Best Red Currants 



The Scotch Red [of Kent] (Moore's Seedling, Champagne Red).— This is probably 

 Knight's Early ; has an upright growth. The short bunches are composed of very large 

 berries, Of bright colour, which ripen before any other. 



D 



