A CLUSTER OF BERRIES 145 



Liqueur de Cassis, is manufactured from it. All currants, 

 like "red gooseberries," contain citric acid and there is a 

 particular tonic quality in the black currant which is con- 

 sidered excellent for the kidneys and bladder, for promoting 

 perspiration, and for inflamed throats. Currants and 

 raspberries, combined, have become famous in several forms 

 and the red currant is a great addition to various fruit 

 jellies. 



The gooseberry, Ribes grossularia, is especially famed 

 and loved as an English garden fruit. Varieties of goose- 

 berries wild are to be found in parts of Europe, Asia, and 

 America, certain species growing in Japan, Siberia, India, 

 and Canada, where they are made use of. N'otwithstand- 

 ing the general growth of the gooseberry over this wide 

 expanse of territory, it seems not to have become known 

 as a cultivated fruit until comparatively recent times; 

 nothing definite being known regarding it until about two 

 hundred years ago when attention began to be paid to it 

 in Lancashire. Its name indicates an earlier French 

 "residence" or transition period and claim upon French 

 interest since "gooseberry" is supposed to be a corruption 

 of the French " groseille," from which is derived the Scotch 

 "grozart," or "grozet." In some places in England it 

 is known as "feaberry." Pies and tarts made from it have 

 become famous in rhyme and the annals of English domestic 

 life would not be complete without frequent mention of 

 the gooseberry, most delicious in its perfection. - English 

 it essentially now is, having attained its fullest beauty 

 and richness in England and being comparatively little 

 known in its most luscious form elsewhere, unless we ex- 

 cept France. Gooseberry wine vies with champagne. In 

 various preserves and vinegars it is excellent and it may be 

 kept for a long time in the fresh state sealed in heated 

 bottles. 



