THE GOOSEBERRY. 



The gooseberry and the currant are the two hardiest bush fruits which are 

 cuhivated, and the gooseberry, hke the currant, succeeds in aU parts of the Pro- 

 vince, although the hardy gooseberries are confined to the varieties derived from 

 the native species and to crosses between the native and the European. The 

 European varieties are only grown successfully in favored locations as in most 

 places they are very subject to mildew. 



The gooseberry, like the currant, requires a cool, moist, though well drained 

 soil to give the best results, and suffers more than almost any other fruit in a 

 dry time. These cool, moist conditions are best obtained as a rule by planting 

 in a well drained friable clay loam. The soil should be thoroughly prepared, as 

 although the gooseberry will give a fine crop of fruit, even if not well cared for, 

 the size will be small. Gooseberries may be planted with success either in spring 

 or fall, but fall planting is preferable, as growth begins early and plants usually 

 receive a severe check if planted in the spring. 



A good distance for planting is six by four or five feet. As gooseberries and 

 currants are usually planted together, it is best to give them both the same dis- 

 tance so that cultivation will be easier. The soil should be well cultivated every 

 year to retain moisture. As the gooseberry makes much more wood each year 

 than is needed, annual pruning is necessary. 



The pruning should be begun before growth starts the second year, and 

 with the object of obtaining an open bush having four or five main fruiting 

 branches well distributed. The annual pruning should consist of removing most 

 of the young branches, leaving a few of the best to take the place of some of the 

 older ones later on and removing enough of the laterals to open up the head. 



The gooseberry produces its fruit on spurs on wood two or more years old, 

 hence there should always be a fair amount of this wood. Wood more than three 

 years old should be removed to give place to that which is younger and which 

 will bear better fruit. 



The soil should be well fertilized and treated in this respect much like the 

 currant. 



The bushes will bear some fruit in the third season and should have a full 

 crop in the fourth. 



Although in England and Europe ripe gooseberries are highly esteemed, few 

 of them are eaten raw in Ontario, hence this fruit is usually picked green and 

 used for sauce, canning and pies. Being firm, it ships well and is usually a pro- 

 fitable crop. 



Varieties Recommended. 



General List, Approved by the Board or Control. 



Pearl, Downing. Red Jacket. Whitesmith is one of the best English varieties, 

 but is almost valueless on some soils and in some localities owing to mildew. 



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