PITMASTON GREEN GAGE. 
Much attention has, of late years, been paid to the culture 
of the Gooseberry, and it has proved eminently successful in 
the attainment of the single object pursued ; but we feel some 
regret that this object has been unaccompanied by another of 
primary importance. The prevailing desire has been to pro- 
duce Gooseberries of large size — a quality which we consider 
secondary to fine flavour. Although we would not discourage 
the amateur cultivator from indulging in a favourite pursuit, 
still we know no advantage attendant on a great Gooseberry, 
if unaccompanied by high flavour. These two qualities are 
somewhat incompatible. Extraordinary development in size is 
usually, and particularly in the Gooseberiy, obtained at the 
expense of a proportionate deterioration of flavour. 
The last year (1845) it may truly be said, was unpropitious 
for giving to fruits a superior flavour ; we must not, however, 
conceal the fact, that out of nearly fifty of the first-rate Lanca- 
shire varieties of Gooseberries, we could select but six of good 
flavour, and two only that were first-rate. 
Nearly all the superior varieties of hardy fmits ax'e cultivated 
with the same facility as those which are common and compar- 
atively w'orthless. We are, therefore, anxious that our readers 
should obtain the best; and to such only shall we direct their 
attention. The Green Gage Gooseberry, now under notice, is 
of first-rate quality for the dessert. It was raised by John 
Williams, Esq., of Pitmaston, being one amongst a few that 
have been selected from many hundreds of seedling plants. It 
has nothing either in size or appearance to distinguish it from 
the common varieties of the same class ; but in sweetness and 
flavour is incomparably superior. The tree is a spreading free 
grow'er, and does not shed its fruit immediately on its becom- 
ing fully ripe, — an objectionable property of some othenvise 
useful sorts. 
In obtaining young plants of this Gooseberry, a nurseiy- 
man should be a2xplied to on whom dependance can be placed 
for cori’ectness of the names of his fruits. We mention this, 
because a round rough Gooseberry is often sold as this Green 
Gage. Mr. Williams’s is smooth, or with only here and there 
a hair. Its shape, leaf, and prickles, are correctly indicated 
by our engraving. 
The common cultivation of the Gooseberry is sufficiently 
w'ell known ; still, there are some points to which we shall 
hereafter call attention. 
