PERRY MAKING IN HEREFORDSHIRE. 63 



are filled, for the more turbid it is when put into the bags, the 

 brighter it will run through them if the process is carefully managed. 

 The filtered liquor is put forthwith into well-prepared hogsheads. 

 From one to two ounces of isinglass (previously dissolved in some 

 of the cold liquor) is added to each hogshead, the amount varying 

 according to the condition of the liquor and the size of the 

 hogsheads. 



The casks are generally placed on their sides, but some think 

 it more safe to place them on their ends, but in either case, an 

 " ullage " to the extent of about a couple of gallons must be left. 

 Then close up tightly and exclude the air, cement the bung, but 

 leave a vent tube through it, the inside end open to the ullage 

 space, and the outside portion bent down and dipped into a cup of 

 water, as before explained. Should the Perry remain quiet for a 

 week, the vent tube may be removed, and the hole it passed 

 through, quickly and effectually closed, or as is sometimes done by 

 the very careful, the tube may be allowed to remain in until spring, 

 though in this case, its outer end must be most scrupulously kept 

 dipped in the water. If the liquor should not remain quiet, and 

 syphon racking into a fresh cask be rendered necessary, it would be 

 a great misfortune for the Perry. 



The following abstracts of the methods of Perry making, 

 actually followed in Herefordshire by successful prize winners, have 

 kindly been sent to the Committee : — 



Mr. William Hill, Lower Eggleton, Ledbury. — " Pears ripen 

 and rot so quickly, and they heat so rapidly, that they should never 

 be put in a heap. Most varieties should be used as they fall from 

 the tree. With the Barland and other early Pears, it is best to let 

 nearly half fall from the tree and shake the rest down, taking them 

 at once to the mill. Pears require to be very lightly ground, and 

 the New Mill, with stone rollers, is far better than the old one, 

 because it can be set to grind them lightly. The pulp should be 

 placed in an open tub, and allowed to stand a day or two before 

 pressing, then a little skimmed milk, or dissolved isinglass, should be 

 added and well mixed. Allow it still to remain a few days, when it will 

 part in the tub ; then filter through bags, and place clear liquor in 

 loo-gallon casks; when three parts full, if the Perry is required for 



