I 



C vii ] 



The Grange apple, and Stead's kernel, do not appear to be greatly 

 affected by the kind of soil in which they grow. In a deep and 

 strong, and rather humid, loam, both acquire a larger size, and 

 contain a larger portion of juice, and will therefore, in such soils, 

 produce ciders of less strength and richness; but the general cha- 

 racters of both these varieties do not appear to be, in other respects, 

 much altered. The Grange apple appears perfectly ripe in Octo- 

 ber, when it falls from the tree, and I thence supposed it to be 

 incapable of being preserved even a few weeks; but I have subse- 

 quently seen it perfectly sound in March. In the beginning of 

 December it is in perfection for the press, and it will probably af- 

 ford as fine a cider as has at any time been produced. 



The Downton pippin varies much in quality, according to the 

 soil in which the tree grows. In a deep and somewhat humid loam 

 the trees grow very rapidly, and are most exuberantly productive ; 

 but the fruit ripens ill and irregularly, and soon decays; and its 

 juice is defective in richness.. In a strong and argillaceous, but dry, 

 loam, it acquires its greatest state of perfection for the dessert, 

 continuing in season from November to April ; but for the press, 

 I believe it will be found to acquire, like the golden pippin, its 

 greatest state of perfection in a more light and somewhat sandy 

 soil. 



The small size of the Foxley apple, renders it of little value 

 except for the press, unless on account of its great beauty, and the 

 extraordinary brilHance of its colours. As a cider apple, I believe 

 it will be found to possess very great excellence; and it acquires 

 nearly the same state of perfection in very different soils. The trees 

 grow very rapidly, and are very productive of fruit 



A single tree only of the Siberian Harvey has yet afforded fruit ; 

 and I am thence wholly unable to decide for whatkind of soil it is 

 best calculated : but I believe it will succeed well in any except a 

 deep and humid loam. In such a soil, however, the trees would grow 



