The utility of this fruit in domestic economy has long been established. Its _juice_, if boiled with an equal weight of loaf sugar, forms an agreeable substance, called _currant jelly_, which is much employed in sauces and for other culinary purposes; and also in the cure of sore throats and colds. The French frequently mix currant jelly with sugar and water, as a beverage; and, by many persons, this mixture is preferred to orgeat or lemonade. The juice of currants is a valuable remedy in obstructions of the bowels; and, in febrile complaints, it is useful on account of its readily quenching thirst, and for its cooling effect on the stomach. This juice, fermented with a proper quantity of sugar, becomes a palatable wine, which is much improved by keeping; and which, with care, may be kept for twenty years and upwards. Modes of making this, as well as other British wines, are to be found in all the domestic receipt books. The _inner bark_, boiled with water, is a popular remedy in jaundice; and, by some medical men, it has been administered in dropsical complaints. _White_ and _flesh-coloured currants_ have, in every respect, the same qualities as the red species. 75. _BLACK CURRANTS are the fruit of a garden shrub_ (Ribes nigrum) _which is distinguished by having its bunches hairy and its flowers oblong._ The berries of the black currant shrub are larger than those of the red; and, in some parts of Siberia, are said to attain the size of a hazel nut. They are occasionally made into wine, jelly, and rob or syrup. The two latter are frequently employed in the cure of sore throats; and, from the great use of black currants in quinsies, they have sometimes been denominated _squinancy_ or _quincy berries_. The leaves are fragrant, and have been recommended for their medicinal virtues. An infusion of them, in the manner of tea, is very grateful, and, by many persons, is preferred to tea. The tender leaves tinge common spirits so as to resemble brandy; and an infusion of the young _roots_ is useful in fevers of the eruptive kind. Black currant trees grow wild in wet hedges, and near the banks of rivers, in several parts of Norfolk. The _dried currants_ of the shops do not belong to this family, but are a small kind of grape (79). 76. _GOOSEBERRIES are the fruit of a prickly shrub_ (Ribes grossularia) _which grows wild in Cheshire, Lancashire, and several parts of Yorkshire._