OF FRUIT TREES. IS 



they afford to the senses, and the chaste and innocent 

 occupation which they give in their cultivation ; when 

 we consider the reputation which they communicate 

 to a country in the eye of strangers', especially as af- 

 fording a test of its climate and industry ; when we 

 remember the importance of improving the beverage 

 which they are intended to supply ; when it is calcu- 

 lated under how many solid forms they may be ex- 

 ported (as dried, baked, and preserved, as well as in 

 their natural state ;) and lastly, when we reflect upon 

 the utility of giving to our rural labours a thoughtful 

 turn, which is the best substitute now left, after having 

 quitted our primeval state ; I say, when we consider 

 these things, it will appear that the subject of fruits, 

 which were the first earthly gift of Providence to man 

 in his more favoured state, may well continue to mer- 

 it both the publick and individual attention." 



ORIGINAL STOCK. 



It is the opinion of botanists, "that the wilding, or 

 crab-apple of the woods and hedges, is the original kind 

 from the seeds of which the apple now cultivated was 

 first obtained. The varieties of this species are mul- 

 tiplied to some hundreds, in different places, all having 

 been first accidentally procured from the seed or ker- 

 nels of the fruit, and then increased by grafting upon 

 crabs or other kinds of apple stocks." (JDom. Ency.) 

 The crab is still considered as a proper stock to re- 

 ceive the grafts of the more valuable varieties, and is 

 even preferred by some cultivators as being more- 

 hardy, better able to endure cold and coarse land ; and 

 they also take firmer root, are of more rapid growth, 

 and make larger trees. 



This tree may be found in forests, and other uncul- 

 tivated places. Its stems and branches are armed with 

 sljarp thorns, and its fruit is small, and so extremely 



