1880 .] 
CHOICE GOOSEBERRIES.—RED SPIDER ON VINES AND PEACHES. 
121 
CHOICE GOOSEBERRIES. 
[Plate 520]. 
HE varieties of Gooseberry represented 
in the accompanying plate were received 
last summer along with those figured 
on Plate 512 (p. 57), from Mr. C. Leicester, of 
Macclesfield. They have been selected, like 
those previously published, as much for their 
cjualities as table fruit as for their distinctness 
of colour and character, and may therefore be 
recommended for general cultivation. Mr. 
Leicester’s notes on the several kinds are. as 
follows:— 
Fig. 1 . Transparent (Bratherton).—A seed¬ 
ling out of Antagonist, raised by the late 
Mr. Joseph Bratherton, and let out by him 
at Nantwich, Cheshire, in October, 1871. 
Berry hairy-skinned, long, and well-formed; 
colour creamy-white. In 1878 it weighed 
26 dwts. One of the best white gooseberries; 
it is very prolific, a vigorous grower, making 
long straight wood of medium strength, and 
forming a fine bush. It will become a general 
favourite. 
Fig. 2. Ringer (Ohippindale).—Raised by 
Mr. David Ohippindale, of Rishton, and let out 
by him at Oakenshaw, Lancashire, in October, 
1864. Berry smooth-skinned, long, and well- 
formed ; colour dark greenish yellow. In 1870 
it was the largest yellow Gooseberry ever ex¬ 
hibited, and the largest berry shown that year 
of any colour, weighing 32 dwts. 21 grs. It is 
very prolific, a vigorous grower, and makes 
long wood and a fine spreading bush. An ex¬ 
cellent variety, and indispensable for exhibition. 
Fig. 3. Rover (Bratherton).—Raised by the 
late Mr. Joseph Bratherton, and let out by him 
at Nantwich, Cheshire, in October, 1869. Berry 
a little hairy-skinned occasionally; colour dark 
purplish-red. Shown in 1867, when a seedling, 
of the weight of 29 dwts. 11 grs., the largest 
berry of the season ; and in 1878 weighed 
31 dwts. 19 grs., on both occasions beaming 
all the gooseberries then in cultivation. It 
is a prolific variety, vigorous in habit, making 
long wood, with large leaves, and forming 
a fine spreading bush, but it is at present very 
scarce, and does not strike freely from cuttings. 
When more generally circulated, it will take a 
leading position. 
Fig. 4. Leveller (Greenhalgh).—Raised by 
Mr. Joseph Greenhalgh, and let out by him at 
Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, in October, 
1851. Berry smooth-skinned, long, and well- 
formed ; colour dark yellow. In 1864 it 
weighed 30 dwts. 11 grs. It is very prolific 
and of the finest flavour, and is a vigorous 
grower, making a fine bush. One of the most 
useful Gooseberries in cultivation. 
RED-SPIDER 
ON VINES AND PEACHES. 
S HOSE who have to do with the manage¬ 
ment of Vines at this season of the 
year, know how liable they are to be 
attacked by Red-spider, particularly after a turn 
of bright, dry weather—the more so, if atten¬ 
tion has not been paid to supplying the roots 
liberally with water. A dry, close atmosphere 
also tends very much to the increase of this 
pest. 
For the information of amateurs, and those 
who have not had much experience in growing 
Vines, I may indicate how to detect its first 
appearance, which is generally about the 
stoning period, or just before the second 
swelling commences. A practised eye can at 
once discover its presence, by the slightly brown 
shade which clusters of leaves here and there 
assume, often first seen near the apex of the 
roof, or along the ends. Washing the back of 
the leaves with a rag dipped in water containing 
an infusion of soap often prevents its spreading. 
Wherever it has appeared, a close watch 
should be kept, and means used to prevent its 
spreading, otherwise, in a week or two, if not 
destroyed, it will assuredly do serious injury to 
the vines. When once established in a house 
at this particular stage of growth, the vines 
become paralysed, young shoots cease to grow, 
the old leaves become brown on the back and 
crumple up ; the spiders, with their webs, may 
be seen with the naked eye ; the fruit swells 
indifferently, colours badly, and a tendency to 
shanking is increased ; and, if allowed to go 
on, the foliage falls prematurely, greatly 
weakening the vigour of the vines, and de¬ 
stroying the prospects of a good crop of fruit 
the ensuing year. 
Practical gardeners adopt many plans to era¬ 
dicate this noxious insect on vines. I have tried 
many. The one I prefer is this:—As soon as 
we see the slightest indication of its presence, 
we paint the hot-water pipes with a mixture of 
buttermilk and sulphur, mixed well together 
and made about the thickness of paint; a liberal 
coating should be put on all the pipes in the 
house, mixing with it a little soot, if desirable, 
to save appearances. The house should have 
full air on, to lower the temperature. The 
evening the extra fire is used, shut close up, 
back and front quite close, and fire so as to raise 
