CIDER APPLES. 151 



and usually oblong in shape ; but on a careful examination of the 

 trees of either kind, the apples are so similar in shape and 

 appearance, that it would be impossible to distinguish them, if thrown 

 together. The difference of size and shape is due simply to the im- 

 proved vitality and luxuriance of the growth of the tree. The points 

 of similarity between them are very striking. There is the same 

 brilliant colour ; the same tough, leather-like skin ; the same eye ; 

 the same long slender stalk set in its deep, narrow channel ; 

 and to this it may be added, they have the same period of 

 arriving at maturity. Then again, the chemical analysis shows 

 no greater difference between them, than may be accounted for, by 

 the more watery juice of the fruit of the more free growing tree. 



The history of the " new " Foxwhelp can be traced with some 

 clearness. A farmer of the name of Yeomans, living at Cowarne, 

 between 60 and 70 years ago, took an unusual interest in the 

 " old " Foxiahelp, and both in that parish, and at Canon Pyon, to 

 which he afterwards migrated, he grafted and re-grafted it on 

 healthy stocks, until he restored its luxuriance of growth. Another 

 farmer, a Mr. Crowe, and Messrs. Skidmore, Miles, and Williams, 

 wheelwrights, of Canon Pyon, systematically, but separately, carried 

 on the system of re-grafting, beginning on seedlings of the " old " 

 Foxwhelp. Their success had been well established by 1823, when 

 first Mr. Jay, of Lyde, and afterwards Mr. Bosley, of Lyde, 

 and Mr. Hill, of Eggleton, obtained grafts, and thus from the 

 centres of Cowarne and Canon Pyon, intelligent fruit growers got their 

 supply of grafts, and we have the handsome, luxuriant, and useful 

 fruit of this time. With this distinct history there can scarcely be 

 a doubt, that the "new" Foxwhelp is simply the "old" historic variety 

 rejuvenated by careful management, but the disbelief in this has 

 arisen from the absence, in part or altogether, of the true Foxzvhelp 

 flavour in the cider made from it, which is so remarkable and 

 characteristic in the " old " Foxtvhelp. As a matter of fact, its 

 cider is more sweet and luscious than that made from the " old " 

 Foxwhelp, and in flavour resembling far more the cider made from 

 the Cozvarne Red apple. 



It must be remembered, however, that sometimes for years 

 together, the cider from the "old " Foxtvhelp itself gives but a faint 



