138 THE FRUIT GARDEN. [Feb. 
Likewise to currants, &c. against walls, give a necessary pruning 
and regulation, as directed in January, &c. 
Gooseberry and currant trees may be planted towards the end 
of this month, if the weather permits, both in standards for the 
general plantation, at six to seven or eight feet distance, and some 
against walls, board fences, &c. for earlier fruit, but principally 
currants; and let these, for the most part, be of the best red and 
white sorts. 
You may occasionally plant a few of the best kinds of gooseber- 
ries to north walls, which is the most suitable situation for them in 
our climates; next to that, east or west walls; but plant only very 
few to those fronting the south, as in such a situation the sun would, 
in summer, be much too powerful for these shrubs. 
For the method of propagating and raising them, see the work of 
the Nursery in March and October. 
Raspberries. 
Raspberries may be pruned towards the latter end of this month, 
especially if the weather be tolerably mild; in doing of which, 
observe to clear away all the old decayed stems which bore fruit 
last season, and to leave three, four or five of the strongest of last 
year's shoots standing on each root, to bear next summer: all above 
that number on every root must be cut off close to the surface of 
the ground, and all straggling shoots between the main plants must 
also be taken away. 
Each of the shoots which are left should be shortened, observing 
to cut oil' about one-third or fourth of their original length. 
The shoots of each root when pruned, if considerably long and 
straggling, may be tied two or three together; for by that method 
they support one another so as not to be borne down in summer by 
the weight of heavy rains or violent winds. 
When you have finished pruning, or as soon after as possible, 
dig the ground between the plants, observing as you dig, to clear 
away all straggling growths in the intervals, leaving none but such 
as belongs to the shoots which are left to bear. 
New plantations of raspberries may be made aboutihe latter end 
of this month, where the severe winter frosts are over, and the 
ground in proper condition; but where this is not the case, that 
work must be deferred till next month, or until the soil is in a fit 
state for cultivation. — For the method of making these plantations, 
see i\\Q. fruit garden in March and October. 
The Antwerp raspberries which had on the approach of winter 
been laid down and covered with litter, &c. on account of their 
being somewhat more tender than the common kinds, ought not to 
be disturbed till the opening of good weather in March, unless 
their buds begin to swell too freely. 
Strawberries. 
Continue to force early strawberries as directed last month, in 
pages 34 and 105, which see. 
