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.
Currant-bushes may be planted five feet apart each way, and at the
same distance, if they are to line a fence.
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