236 



SMAIJ. FEUIT CULTURTST. 



A proper distribution of the branches should be observ. 

 ed, and be so arranged that they sliall be at regular dis- 

 tances from each other. Then all little side shoots, tliat 

 may appear in summer, should be pruned off. The young 

 shoots should be annually shortened, but to what extent 

 will depend somewhat upon the amount of growth the 

 plants have made, as well as upon the quantity and quality 

 of fruit desired. Summer pruning, except to take out 

 small weak shoots or to check the ramjDant growth of a 

 particular branch which is attracting too much of the 

 strength of the plant, is not beneficial, inasmuch as it of- 

 ten causes young, weak, lateral shoots to be produced, 

 which often fail to come to maturity. 



The Gooseberry may be trained as espaliers, or with a 

 single stem and side spurs, or in almost any manner that 

 one's fancy may suggest. 



The regular annual pruning may be performed at any 

 time after the wood is fully matured in the fall, until the 

 buds swell in the spring. 



SOIL AND CULTURE. 



The Gooseberry likes a good, deep, moist soil, but one 

 that is not really wet. A rich soil is also essential, be- 

 cause it is only by keeping up a vigorous growth that 

 large fruit and abundant crops can be secured. An open, 

 airy situation is better than one that is confined, and in 

 many sections of the country the north side of a hill 

 would be far preferable to a southern exj^osure. The ex- 

 treme heat of our summer has been the greatest impedi- 

 ment to the successful cultivation of the English Goose- 

 berries, and to counteract this, the coolest available situa- 

 tion should be selected. Also, in enriching the ground, 

 use no fermenting manure ; apply none but tliat which is 

 old and well rotted. Cow manure is far better than horse 

 manure, particularly on light, warm soils. Mulching the 

 plants in summer is very beneficial, and if tan bark oi 



