HISTORY OF ENGLISH ORCHARDS. 3 



home production of Cider and Perry in every possible way. Poets 

 and Writers extolled their praise : Esquires and Yeomen vied with 

 each other in their efforts to meet the national want ; and the 

 great care and attention resulting from all this enthusiasm 

 culminated in a success so remarkable as to outstrip all former 

 efforts, and as we read the accounts, to make us lament the more, 

 the neglect of later years. 



Cider and Perry were then made in large quantities of a more 

 uniform superior quality ; and met with a ready and highly 

 remunerative sale. They formed the household family drink, varied 

 on festive occasions with home-made wines, in the excellence of 

 which all good housewives prided themselves. The farm labourers, 

 or hinds, who were at that time usually boarded in the house, had 

 to be content with "Ciderkin," or "Purr," a weaker cider, made by 

 the addition of water to the apple cake, as it was passed again 

 through the mill. This was allowed to the men in almost 

 unlimited quantities during haytime and harvest, and formed a 

 wholesome and harmless drink. 



This was the golden age for Orchard culture and for Orchard 

 produce. Cider was never so highly esteemed. Philips, the Cider 

 Poet, calls it : — 



" Nectar ! on which always waits 

 Laughter and Sport, and care beguiling Wit, 

 And Friendship, chief Delight of Human Life. 

 What should we wish for more ? or why in quest 

 Of Foreign Vintage, insincere and mixt. 

 Traverse the extremest World ; why tempt the Rage 

 Of the rough Ocean ! when our native Glebes 

 Imparts from bountious Womb, annual Recruits 

 Of wine delectable, that far surmounts 

 Gallic, or Latin grapes, or those that see 

 The setting Sun near Calpe's tow'ring Height. 

 Nor let the Rhodian, nor the Lesbian Vines 

 Vaunt their rich must, nor let Tokay contend 

 For Sov'ranty ; Phanceus self must bow 

 To th' Ariconia?i Vales." — Cyder. 



