In My Garden It has been asked whether pruaing, and
consequent kiss of vitality in the bush, is responsible for gooseberry mildew. Personally, I dislike wholesale pruning of any shrub or tree whatever (except black currants and buddleias), but this mildew is certainly not encouraged by pruning. Sunlight and lime-sulphur should prevent it, and perhaps potash manuring in February. One of the worst gardening sins of omission (experto crede), at least in the flower garden, is to postpone reforms till plants have died down, till bulbs are undiscoverable and herbaceous plants at best inconspicuous. Now is the time. Indeed, August should be a much busier month than it usually is, not least in taking certain cuttings. Where enemies are active or feared, early apples may be picked. They will all mature if kept, and are immediately fit for cooking. As to varieties, my county farm gives pupils instruction in only four sorts: Bramky's Seedling, Cox, Worcester Pearmain, and (surprisingly)
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