APPLE. 45 



the Richmond lads, had a churl been the governor of 

 the botanic garden at Kew. But how different was 

 the conduct of the revered Mr. Alton ! and with 

 what grateful feelings, even at this distant period, 

 does the writer acknowledge his obligations to that 

 truly excellent man ! Mr. Alton not only opened the 

 botanic ground to the Richmond young men at all 

 convenient seasons, but invited, and even entreated 

 them, to improve themselves in botany ; assisting 

 them with the names, as well as specimens, of all 

 that couid be spared. Mr. Aiton's kind advice, and 

 bright example, certainly moulded the character of 

 numbers of young men, who had the good fortune to 

 be under his superintendence, or within the influence 

 of his exemplary conduct. 



28. Alexander, — This apple, which is in perfection 

 from the end of October to the middle of December, is 

 one cf the largest size, exceeding any other grown 

 in this country. It is of Russian origin, and first 

 became known in England by a sample of the fruit 

 being imported by the late Mr. Lee of Hammersmith, 

 one of which weighed nineteen ounces. This is a 

 beautiful apple, rather oval, broader at the stalk than 

 at the eye ; the colour finely marbled, red, and yel- 

 lowish green. The pulp is breaking, tender, and full 

 of rich vinous juice ; and were it not for its size, nobad 

 dessert fruit. This apple, in fine seasons, bears a 

 bloom, which, if carefully gathered, will keep on for 

 some time. The tree is a middling bearer, and makes 

 a good healthy standard of the second class. It may also 

 be used for dwarfs or espaliers, if worked on the crab- 



