the fruit, the length of the bunch, or the habit of the plant, from
the Cherry currant."

I must admit that I am inclined to take the same view; for, during
several years, I have looked in vain for two distinct varieties. I
have carefully kept the two kinds separate, but find in each case the
same stout, stocky, short-jointed, erect shoots that are often devoid
of buds, and tend to become naked with age, and the same dark green,
thick, bluntly and coarsely serrated foliage. Mr. Downing thinks the
difference lies in the fact that, while the Versailles strain produces
many short bunches like the Cherry, it also frequently bears clusters,
and that such long, tapering clusters are never formed on the Cherry.
This is the only difference, I think, if any exists; but in no
instance have I been able to find this distinction well defined and
sustained by the bearing plantations that I have seen. Mr. Downing,
however, has had tenfold more experience than I have, and his opinions
are entitled to corresponding weight.

That this class is much inclined to "sport," I think all will admit.
One bush in a row may be loaded with fruit year after year, and the
next one be comparatively barren. The clusters on one bush may be
short and characteristic of the Cherry, while a neighboring bush in
the same patch may show a tendency to mingle some long clusters with
the short ones; and young bushes grown from the same plant will show
these variations. I am satisfied that distinct and much improved
strains could be developed by propagating from bushes producing the
best and most abundant fruit, and that a variety having the
characteristics of the Ideal Versailles could be developed. The
importance of this careful selection in propagation can scarcely be
overestimated, and the fruit grower who followed it up for a few years