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.
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