XV. 



THE PAWSAN. 



Many trees of the Pawsan are found in the south-east, or 

 Rjeland District of Herefordshire, which have apparently 

 stood at least a century ; and therefore it is probable that 

 the writers on orchards of the 17th century were not unac- 

 quainted with this fruit. It is not, however, mentioned by 

 any of them, and therefore, if the fruit was known at that 

 period, the planters, probably, were wholly ignorant of its 

 merits. 



The external character of the Pawsan is not by any means 

 that of a fine Cider Apple ; but its pulp is exceedingly rich 

 and yellow ; and it sometimes affords, perhaps without any 

 exception, the finest liquor, which is obtained from the juice 

 of the apple. But the trees are generally unproductive ; 

 and the fruit does not ripen well except in favourable situa- 

 tions and seasons, and excess of fermentation in consequence 

 too often frustrates the hopes of the Planter. 



The form of the Pawsan is often less oblate and flat than 

 the plate represents it ; but, as in other varieties, this fruit 

 generally possesses most richness and flavour, when its form 

 is most compressed. I am . ignorant of the source from 

 which the Pawsan derives its name : the specific gravity of 

 its juice is about 1076. 



