True-to-Name Small-Fruit Plants 



31 



Pruning and Training. The Gooseberry has attained a greater 

 commercial importance of late years than formerly, and in many 

 sections has become a very profitable fruit. It is always sold in the 

 green state, though the ripe fruit is very acceptable to most people. 

 Like the currant, the Gooseberry thrives best in a cool climate and 

 a moist, clay soil. When grown in a warm, sandy soil, it will be 

 found that the coal-ash mulch advised for the currant will be a 

 great advantage. It is worthless in the South, and seldom fruits 

 well south of Maryland, except in the mountain sections. 



Amateur growers often train the Gooseberry like the currant, 

 to a single stem, but commercially the bush form is the only profit- 

 able way to grow them. Little pruning is needed, and that mainly 

 to remove the stunted shoots and to keep up a supply of vigorous 

 new shoots from the base. They may be set from 5 to 6 feet apart 

 each way, and cultivated both ways. The richer the soil, the more 

 distance apart, of course, as the growth will be stronger in the strong 

 soil. Spraying regularly with bordeaux mixture is important to 

 keep down the mildew from the fruit. The varieties grown in this 

 country have mainly been produced from the native species. The 

 English Gooseberry is much larger but far more inclined to disease 

 than the native species, though some of the English sorts have been 

 grown with success, and now, with spraying it is probable that most 

 of them can be grown. It is important, as one means for preventing 

 mildew, that the head of the bush be kept open and not allowed to 

 get crowded with shoots, as in a crowded state the mildew is always 

 worse. 



The growing of Gooseberries is not appreciated as it should be. 

 Some growers are planting more Gooseberries each year. Agricul- 

 tural colleges are urging growers to plant Gooseberries because they 

 are profitable. There is a big demand for them. 



Downing. One of the oldest and most reliable of the large- 

 fruiting varieties. Handsome, pale green and splendid quality; fine 

 for both cooking and table use. A vigorous grower and usually free 

 from mildew. 



Houghton. One of the healthiest and hardiest of the Gooseberry 

 family, and a variety that almost always produces a full crop and 

 never fails entirely. Very productive, berries of medium size and 

 for general purposes one of the best. 



Josselyn (Red Jacket). This variety has been well tested over 

 a wide range of territory and has proven very satisfactory. It is a heavy cropper and has bright green, healthy, 

 foliage. An American seedling of large size, smooth, prolific and hardy. Quality among the best. 



Mountain Seedling. A new variety, with unusual vigor and great productiveness. It is slightly larger 

 than Houghton, and seems to have all of the good qualities of that variety. It makes heavier canes and 

 holds the foliage longer than anything on the place. 



Pearl. A cross between Houghton and some large English variety. Very hardy, free from mildew, and 

 superior in size and quality. It is claimed to be more productive than the Downing and resembles that 

 variety quite a little. This variety does well in colder climates. In Canada it is known not to mildew and 

 has proven to be most productive. It has many good qualities. 



Houghton. Produces a full crop 



