APPLE. 45 



Assumed the flavour : one sort counterfeits 

 The sparkling nectar of Champagne ; with that, 

 A German oft has swill'd his throat, and sworn, 

 Deluded, that imperial Rhine bestow'd 

 The gen'rous rummer, whilst the owner, pleased, 

 Laughs inly at his guest, thus entertain'd 

 With foreign vintage from his cider cask. 



Thomson has thus beautifully described the cider sea- 

 son : 



The fragrant stores, the wide projected heaps 

 Of apples, which the lusty-handed year, 

 Innumerous, o'er the blushing orchard shakes ; 

 A various spirit, fresh, delicious, keen, 

 Dwells in their gelid pores ; and, active, points 

 The piercing cider for the thirsty tongue. 



The word Cider is a slight abbreviation from the Seider 

 of the ancient Britons, and which having some analogy 

 with the Greek word Sikera, induces us to believe that 

 it is a beverage of great antiquity in this country. Huet 

 is of opinion that the use of cider was first introduced into 

 Neustria by the Normans, who had learned it of the Bis- 

 cayans, as these latter had done from the inhabitants of 

 the northern coast of Africa. 



Dr. Short informs us, that cider was first invented by a 

 Norman, who much admired the delicate flavour of apples; 

 and " long observation," says he, " assures us, that such 

 as chiefly drink cider, are more healthy and strong, and 

 have better complexions, than those that are accustomed 

 to wine or ale." Both Lord Bacon and Dr. Baynard tell 

 us of several persons near a hundred, and some above, 

 who, having seldom used any other liquor, were very 

 active and vigorous at that age. It is certainly more 

 nourishing than wine, for, not being so thoroughly fer- 

 mented, its spirits are less subtile and impetuous. 



