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Gooseberry and Currant Sawfly

(Nematus Ribesii). Hand-picking, persistently practised from the first appearance of the insects, is the most certain cure; but this is almost impossible in extensive collections. Bushes situated near much-frequented walks, or placed under protection from birds, have been observed to become more infested than others fully exposed. This infers that birds of some sort, although it is doubtful which, either eat the insects or carry them away to feed their young. Cuckoos are considered special friends for this purpose; and sparrows, sparrow-hawks, and tomtits, have also been observed to visit the bushes frequently when infested with caterpillars; but whether for eating them or not, is somewhat uncertain. Lightly syringing the bushes, in the evening, with water, and then dusting with lime or flowers of sulphur, also scattering some of each and some soot round the plants, are means usually adopted as remedies. As most of these insects undergo their transformation in a young state, on or beneath the ground, various methods for destroying them there have been recommended, such as occasionally dusting with newly-slaked lime or Hellebore powder; or covering the soil, in spring, to a depth of 3in., with fresh tan. Great destruction is frequently caused to Gooseberries in some localities by birds, particularly bullfinches, picking out the buds in spring, and also devouring the fruit when ripe. A limited number of trees may be covered with netting; but, in a large collection, it is difficult to stop these attacks, when once begun.

Sorts. Gooseberries are divided into classes that are distinguished from each other by the colour of the fruits and the absence or presence of hairs on the skins. Varieties in each colour are very numerous, many of the smaller fruits being of the highest flavour, while the larger ones are fit for cooking earlier in the season. Those having red skins are variable in flavour, a large quantity being more or less acid. On account of their late-keeping properties, the best red sorts are most valuable for dessert fruit in autumn, after the majority of the others are past. The highest flavour is attained in the amber and yellow varieties, which are very tender in the skin, and mostly early in ripening. Many of the green ones are large, and contain but little pulp in proportion. Others of the same colour are small, but remarkably thin-skinned and rich in flavour when ripe. Amongst white sorts, there are several of good quality, but they are not so generally cultivated as the others. Subjoined is a selection from the leading varieties in each class. Those marked F, are specially recommended for flavour; and others marked s, for size. Class I. Fruit with Red Skin.

Conquering Hero (s). Fruit dark red, very long and large, a little hairy. Branches slender, large, and spreading.

Crown Bob. Fruit bright red, of good flavour, roundish-oblong, hairy. Branches pendulous.

Dan's Mistake (s). Fruit light red, very large, hairy. Branches strong, erect. Useful variety for exhibition.

Dr. Hogg (F). Fruit purplish-red, long, broad, downy. Branches short-jointed, erect, vigorous.