PRACTICAL PAPERS—SMALL FRUITS. 
201 
THE CULTIVATION OF SMALL FRUITS. 
Prize Essay. 
BY M. DE WOLF, DELAY AN. 
THE CURRANT. 
I 
Its History .—The species of the currant from which our 
cultivated varieties originated is propably a native of northern 
Europe, as we find no mention of it by any of the old 
Greek or Roman writers, who were generally so particular to 
speak of the fruit known in their day. 
Propagation by Cuttings .—Cuttings for propagating may be 
made at any time from the falling of the leaf in autumn until 
the plants commence growth in spring, but when the best 
possible results are desired, they should be taken off as soon 
as the wood is fully ripe. Good strong wood, of the present 
season’s growth, should be selected. The cuttings, when pre¬ 
pared, may be planted in the same manner as other ripe wood 
cuttings. They should be covered with straw, or some similar 
material, sufficient to keep out the frost, or at least to prevent 
the ground from repeated freezing and thawing during the win¬ 
ter. Remove the covering at the return of warm weather, or 
enough of it to allow the young shoots to grow through with¬ 
out hindrance. Cuttings'planted early in fall will usually be¬ 
come rooted by the time winter sets in, and this too without 
the buds pushing into leaf. The next season they will make 
a far better growth than where planting is deferred until spring. 
Soil and Cultivation .—The currant is a plant that possesses 
great vitality, and will grow in almost any kind of soil or 
situation, but to bring it to perfection and make it profitable, 
