The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-03-21

GoosEBERRIEs.

- This fruit is not esteemed very highly
20 by some persons; but it is valuable one,
vei aud when all its uses are considered, it Is
,'ssi well worth cultivatng. Without spending
.i much tine with description of its cult
~ walton, suffice it to say, soil very rich
and deep is what it requires. Like the
Raspberry, the old wood should be cut
''0' out, and only that which bears be allowed
-sasto remain. 1t eclipses all other fruit, at
least in one respect. 1t is the first, of the
ca great numbers we have, which is seen upon
,,., the table in the spring; and apart from
its being a qualification to the palate, 1t is
u especially wholesome as acids, in the
spring OF the year, when the system Is
undergoing that change which prepares it
III, for the heat Of the summer, contribute
much to tho publication of the blood.
-soste mpen, as other fruits, it is delicious, some
persons preterring them to grapes. They
certainly are superior to the grape, SO far
as the texture of the skin and seed are
,o concerned; for the toughness of the grape
skin, and the gravel-like character Of its
seed, justly renders it unpopular with
, some persons. Hi9 e-s
. e There are many persons living In remote
- parts of the country who have not seen
ga meof the new varieties of Gooseberries
We are not speaking of the little currant-
like fruits covered with fringe, or what ia
~ called mildew but of a large cherry or
grape-like fruits, truly grateful to the eye
as well as palate. These new varie-
. ties do not occupy any more ground, nor
do they require any more /: labor In short
they cost no more. than the old kind, which
we do not wonder, made this healthy
delightful and fruit unpopular. These re-
marks we design for our readers far In
the country and remote from markets but
to those contiguous to cities and towns the
Gooseberry has another important attrac-
ton. 1t is alyays saleable early in the
/ spring for tarts at remunerative prices, and
as ripe fruit, doubtless its popularity,
which must increase, will render it also
remunerative.
CURRANTS isit
This fruit should be cultivated in the
sasame way that the Gooseberry is. Both
grow from slips, and when well rooted in
deep rich soil, the only attention they need
81 is keeping away the weeds and grass, an |
proper trimming. Their own shade pro-
tects them against drought; and what falls
from them, together with the insect matter
(which always accompanies shade and |
moisture, is all the fertilizers they re-
,quire. There are several new varieties of |
currants, all of which are good. This fruit |
formerly was valued extremely in Vir-
ginia for making wine, almost every house
y hold prepared this beverage from 1t /; but |
the Blackberry and other things, have In
latter years supplied its place in that res
pect, but still it is valuable fruit for va
rous purposes. 1t makes good tart,
green or ripe, and is valuable to dry. The
Jelly made from it has no substitute, and
we know not what the epicure would do
without it, with his canvass-back, venizon,
mutton, &c. Like all fruits, its value is
enhanced to the grower by its proximity
to cities and towns. There is always de-
mand IN all markets for it. There is no 4
fruit which requires less labor and trouble,
and none which fails SO seldom to produce
Z an abundant crop. M
. STRAWBERRIES.
The wonderful improvements In this
fruit in latter years, is only equalled by Its
importance, as commercial article. To
give in detail here, the best way to culH-
vate them, would not only make our article
too long for the comfort of our readers but
I 1t is too late to do them much good this
season. Besides this, the STATE JOURNAL.
! Of the 18th inst, gave advice on the sub
'ject which also lessons the Importance of
B, celebrating the subject now. There are
Z few men, largely engaged in the business of
producing this fruit, who have not made
up their minds, which is the best way to
4 accomplish that end; and like every other
fruit, location, and various other condi-
lions, have much to do with the best way |
to produce it hence, each producer may
wisely have plan Of his own, unlike that !
of Others. Some advice cleaning off the !
beds and arranging the plants for the next
crop in the summer shortly after the fruit.
ing season. Those who pursue this plan, a
work them repeatedly through the sum- :
mer, with view to stopping the growth
ofrunners, which they urge imparts addi-
tional strength to the plants. Apart from !