ESTABLISHING THE PLANTATION 563 



Currants are famous as a source of pectin and for their jelty- 

 making properties, but gooseberries are almost as good for 

 these purposes, though less commonly used. 



The red currant is the currant of commerce, but the white 

 and black types have their special uses. 



Because of their relationship to the white pine blister rust 

 of five-needle pines, these fruits should not be cultivated in 

 areas where these trees are important, except with most care- 

 ful safeguards and the observance of governmental restrictions. 



Consult the state nursery inspector or the state department 

 of agriculture before planting currants and gooseberries. Quar- 

 antines and restrictive measures are in effect in various sections 

 owing to the blister rust situation. These measures are 

 changed from time to time. The cultivated black currant is 

 considered a special menace. The problem of saving our 

 white pines takes front rank as a national issue. Its solution 

 requires the cooperation of all good citizens. 



Operations: 



1. Establishing the plantation. 



2. Pruning and training the plants. 



3. Managing the soil. 



4. Controlling diseases and insects. 



5. Harvesting and marketing the crop. 



1. Establishing the Plantation. These fruits bloom very 

 early in the spring. Protect them from frost damage by locat- 

 ing the plantation where the air circulates freely. This will 

 also help in disease control, especially with gooseberries. In 

 the southern extensions of the industry, select silt or clay soils 

 and the cooler northern exposures to reduce the effect of the 

 sun. A deep loam, very fertile and retentive of moisture, is 

 the approved type for best results. 



Prepare the soil thoroughly as for garden crops before 

 planting, eliminating all grass. Manure or green crops to en- 

 rich the soil will be beneficial. 



