CHAPTER IX. 

 GOOSEBERIES. 



The native species of gooseberry has never been cultivated with sufficient care in this 

 country to improve materially its qualities : most of the plants of this kind of fruit are 

 of foreign origin. We have, however, some kinds which it is probable may yet become 

 important to the gardener. A white variety I have seen growing quite abundantly in Essex 

 county, N. Y., and without prickles; is quite sweet and of a fine flavor. It bears only a 

 small berry, but they are quite numerous upon the bush. The gooseberry when properly 

 cultivated is productive and profitable. It is subject to the mildew, which is a drawback 

 upon its value. It is, however, stated in the numerous periodicals of the day, that salt 

 meadow hay, placed beneath and upon the bushes, so as to shade them partially, is quite 

 effective in its prevention. Or as a substitute therefor, straw wet in salt water will answer 

 nearly the same purpose. It is probable, however, that a mixture of common salt and 

 sulphate of soda, Glauber salts, may be still more effective in the prevention of mildew. 



DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT VARIETIES. 



1. WOODWARD'S WHITESMITH. Plate 59, fig. 3. 



Fruit rather large, oval, or round oval ; veiny and downy, translucent. Green and 

 greenish yellow, and whitish. The quality of the White Smith places it in the first 

 class. The branches are erect. 



2. CHAMPION. Plate 59, fig. I. 

 Fruit large, round, translucent ; large, veiny. Skin smooth. Color green. 



3. EDWARD'S JOLLY TAR. Plate 59, fig. 2. 



Fruit large, oval or roundish oval. Skin smooth. Color green ; flavor fine ; branches 

 drooping. 



