Appendix.] By Dr. Noehden. 3 



But the more limited acceptation, which betokens acid fruits 

 only, and most particularly Lemons and Oranges, or rather all the 

 species and varieties of the genus Citrus, is the most common. 

 Sometimes, Pomegranates and other fruits, as Dr. Sickler ob- 

 serves, (but which fruits, I beg leave to add, must all be cha- 

 racterized by acidity,) are likewise included in that expression. 

 Some authors have made use of a similar term* in Latin, viz. 

 acrumen, derived from acer ; which term is not classical, but of 

 modern fabrication, evidently manufactured in imitation of the 

 Italian word, unless we were to suppose, that it had preceded the 

 latter. 



The Agrumi are now to be regarded as substitutes, in Italy, for 

 almost every other kind of fruit. Figs and grapes are held in 

 estimation ; but as for apples; pears, cherries, and other products 

 of the orchard, they may be said to have become strangers to 

 that country. This is the more surprising, as the former in- 

 habitants, the ancient Romans, greatly excelled in the cultivation 

 of these fruits. They formed a luxury of their tables, and neither 

 expence nor trouble was spared, in obtaining them. At the pre- 

 sent era, they are so much neglected, and their culture is so un- 

 successful, that Dr. Sickler seems to be of opinion, that the 

 climate and soil of Italy have undergone a change, and are no 

 longer fit for the growt h of those productions. But such a notion 

 can hardly be considered otherwise than as erroneous ; and the 

 fact,I apprehend, is to be solely accounted for from the diminished 

 degree of care, which is bestowed upon those objects. I do not 

 doubt, that an English gardener would raise fine fruit in Italy, 

 as he is, by his skill, enabled to do in his own country, where 

 many circumstances are far less favourable. 



Among the Agrumi, the Citrons and Lemons were first intro- 

 duced into Italy. They were derived from the East; and Assyria 



