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Page 34
CHAPTER VI
THE CURRANT
Who that has ever lived in the country does not remember the old
straggling currant-bushes that disputed their existence with
grass, docks, and other coarse-growing weeds along some ancient
fence? Many also can recall the weary task of gathering a quart or
two of the diminutive fruit for pies, and the endless picking
required to obtain enough for the annual jelly-making. Nor is this
condition of affairs a thing of the past. Drive through the land
where you will in early July, and you will see farmers mowing
round the venerable Red Dutch currants "to give the women-folks a
chance at 'em." The average farmer still bestows upon this fruit
about as much attention as the aborigines gave to their patches of
maize. This seems very absurd when we remember the important place
held in the domestic economy by the currant, and how greatly it
improves under decent treatment. If it demanded the attention
which a cabbage-plant requires, it would be given; but the currant
belongs to that small class of creatures which permit themselves
to be used when wanted, and snubbed, neglected, and imposed upon
at other times. It is known that the bushes will manage to exist,
and do the Very best they can, no matter how badly treated; and
average human nature has ever taken advantage of such traits, to
its continuous loss.
The patience of the currant is due perhaps to its origin, for it
grows wild round the northern hemisphere, its chief haunts being
the dim, cold, damp woods of the high latitudes. You may tame,
modify, and vastly change anything possessing life; but original
traits are scarcely ever wholly eradicated. Therefore the natural
habitat and primal qualities of the currant indicate the true
lines of development, its capabilities and limitations. It is
essentially a northern fruit, requiring coolness, moisture, and
alluvial soils. It begins to falter and look homesick even in New
Jersey; and one has not to go far down the Atlantic coast to pass
beyond the range of its successful culture. I do not see why it
should not thrive much further south on the northern slopes of the
mountains. From Philadelphia northward, however, except on light
dry soils and in sunny exposures, there is no reason why it should
not give ample returns for the attention it requires.
I shall not lay stress on the old, well-known uses to which this
fruit is put, but I do think its value is but half appreciated.
People rush round in July in search of health: let me recommend
the currant cure. If any one is languid, depressed in spirits,
inclined to headaches, and generally "out of sorts," let him
finish his breakfast daily for a month with a dish of freshly
picked currants. He will soon, almost doubt his own identity, and
may even begin to think that he is becoming a good man. He will be
more gallant to his wife, kinder to his children, friendlier to
his neighbors, and more open-handed to every good cause. Work will
soon seem play, and play fun. In brief, the truth of the ancient
pun will be verified, that "the power to live a good life depends
largely upon the LIVER." Out upon the nonsense of taking medicine
and nostrums during the currant-season! Let it be taught at
theological seminaries that the currant is a "means of grace." It
is a corrective; and that is what average humanity most needs.
The currant, like the raspberry, is willing to keep shady; but
only because it is modest. It is one of the fruits that thrive
better among trees than in too dry and sunny exposures. Therefore,
in economizing space on the Home Acre it may be grown among
smaller trees, or, better still, on the northern or eastern side
of a wall or hedge. But shade is not essential, except as we go
south; then the requisites of moisture and shelter from the
burning rays of the sun should be complied with as far as
possible. In giving this and kindred fruits partial shade, they
should not be compelled to contend to any extent with the roots of
trees. This will ever prove an unequal contest. No fruit can
thrive in dense shade, or find sustenance among the voracious
roots of a tree.
Select, therefore, if possible, heavy, deep, moist, yet well-
drained soil, and do not fear to make and keep it very rich. If
you are restricted to sandy or gravelly soils, correct their
defects with compost, decayed leaves and sods, muck, manure from
the cow-stable, and other fertilizers with staying rather than
stimulating qualities. Either by plowing or forking, deepen as
well as enrich the soil. It is then ready for the plants, which
may be set out either in the fall or in early spring. I prefer the
autumn--any time after the leaves have fallen; but spring answers
almost as well, while buds are dormant, or partially so. It should
be remembered that the currant starts very early, and is in full
foliage before some persons are fairly wakened to garden
interests. It would, in this case, be better to wait until
October, unless the plants can be obtained from a neighbor on a
cloudy day; then they should be cut back two-thirds of their
length before being removed, and the transfer made as quickly as
possible. Under any circumstances, take off half of the wood from
the plants bought. This need not be thrown away. Every cutting of
young wood six inches long will make a new plant in a single
season. All that is needful is to keep the wood moist until ready
to put it in the ground, or, better still, a cool, damp place in
the garden can be selected at once, and the cuttings sunk two-
thirds of their length into the ground, and the soil pressed firm
around them. By fall they will have a good supply of roots, and by
the following autumn be ready to be set out wherever you wish them
to fruit.
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