The art of trimming a currant-bush, like that of pruning a grape-
vine, is best learned by observation and experience. One can give
principles rather than lay down rules. Like the vine, the currant
tends to choke itself with a superabundance of wood, which soon
becomes more or less barren. This is truer of some varieties than
of others; but in all instances the judicious use of the pruning-
knife doubles the yield. In view of the supposition that the
leading shoot and all the branches were shortened in one-half when
the plant was set out, I will suggest that early in June it will
be observed that much more wood is forming than can be permitted
to remain. There are weak, crowding shoots which never can be of
any use. If these are cut out at this time, the sap which would go
to mature them will be directed into the valuable parts of the
forming bush. Summer pruning prevents misspent force, and it may
be kept up with great advantage from year to year. This is rarely
done, however; therefore early in spring the bushes must receive a
good annual pruning, and the long shoots and branches be cut well
back, so as to prevent naked reaches of wood. Observe a very
productive bush, and you will see that there are many points
abounding in little side-branches. It is upon these that the fruit
is chiefly borne.
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