64 THE GARDENS OF EPICURUS 



to the end of September, and for all sicknesses of the 



stomach (from which most others are judged to 



proceed) I do not think any that are like me, the 



most subject to them, shall complain, whenever they 



eat thirty or forty cherries before meals, or the like 



proportion of strawberries, white figs, soft peaches, or 



grapes perfectly ripe. But these after Michaelmas I 



do not think wholesome with us, unless attended by 



some fit of hot and dry weather, more than is usual 



after that season ; when the frosts or the rain have 



taken them, they grow dangerous, and nothing but the 



autumn and winter pears are to be reckoned in season, 



besides apples, which, with cherries, are of all others 



the most innocent food, and perhaps the best physick. 



Now, whoever will be sure to eat good fruit, must do 



it out of a garden of his own ; for besides the choice 



so necessary in the sorts, the soil, and so many other 



circumstances that go to compose a good garden, and 



produce good fruits, there is something very nice in 



gathering them, and choosing the best, even from the 



same tree. The best sorts of all among us, which 



I esteem the white figs and the soft peaches, will not 



carry without suffering. The best fruit that is bought, 



has no more of the master's care, than how to raise 



the greatest gains ; his business is to have as much 



