Some swamp gooseberries, however, are quite
smooth, of a dark red colour, but small, and they are very nice when ripe.
The blossoms of the wild currants are very beautiful, of a pale yellowish
green, and hang down in long graceful branches, the fruit is harsh but
makes wholesome preserves. But there are thorny currants as well as thorny
gooseberries, these have long, weak, trailing branches, the berries are
small, covered with stiff bristles, and of a pale red colour. They are not
wholesome, I have seen people made very ill by eating them, I have heard
even of their dying in consequence of having done so."
"I am sure, nurse, I will not eat those wild currants," said Lady Mary, "I
am glad you have told me about their being poisonous."
"This sort is not often met with, my dear, and these berries, though they
are not good for man, doubtless give nourishment to some of the wild
creatures that seek their food from God, and we have enough dainties and
to spare without them.
"The red raspberry is one of the most common and the most useful to us of
the wild fruits. It grows in abundance all over the country--by the
roadside, in the half opened woods, on upturned roots, or in old neglected
clearings, there is no place so wild but it will grow, wherever its roots
can find a crevice.
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