(from Corinth), a small species of grape. It is found in greatest perfection along the shores of the Corinthian Gulf, in Cephalonia, Ithaca, and in Zante, in which island its cultivation engrosses nearly two-thirds of the cultivated land. The plant is delicate, and takes six or seven years to arrive at perfection. When the flower is out, it gives a singular richness and beauty to the landscape. The currant succeeds best on plains near the sea, or on the lower slopes of mountains, in a dry and light soil; but the crop is particularly liable to injury from rain in harvest. After being dried in the sun, the currants are packed in large butts for exportation, the greater proportion being sent to the western parts of Europe, especially to Britain.

The quantity imported in 1853 amounted only to 267,282 cwts., owing to a failure in the crop; whereas in 1850 it amounted to 429,607 cwts., and in 1851 to 721,119 cwts.

Previous to 1834 the duty on currants was as high as 44s. 4d. a cwt. In that year it was reduced one-half, and in 1844 it was further reduced to 15s. per cwt.

The name is also given to a small fruit, well known in our gardens as the produce of two species of Ribes—R. rubrum, and R. nigrum.