156 On Orcharding. 
profusion of fruit, that it becomes needful to secure each bearing branch 
to a strong stake, in order to prevent its being broken off, or bent down 
to the level of the soil. Two such trees, I had growing in a flower- 
border of a garden, in Kent, that were loaded \n\\x, at least, 300 fine 
apples. 
The Keswick Codling is a beautifiil fruit, oblong in shape, and of a 
yellowish tinge when mellow; it ripens early, — so does the Hawthorn- 
den ; but the former is so prolific as a bearer, and so excellent in the 
quality of its truit, that, I cannot but recommend, in selecting the trees 
of an orchard, that the number planted be equal to that of the Haw- 
thornden. Of Fearne's Pippin,* I meet with no description. The 
JVonsuch, is doubtless a good apple, but not veiy valuable as a keeper. 
In the latter quality, the French Crab exceeds all others : and therefore 
should be admitted into every collection. The Ribston Pippin, is 
described in Loudon's Encyclopaedia of Gai'dening, as "a hardy, free- 
growing ti-ee, universally admired, thriving in all situations and cli- 
mates, — one of the best of British apples." This apple possesses, 
unquestionably, very admirable qualities, particularly at, and soon after, 
the period of ripening ; but it ultimately becomes vapid and flavorless ; 
and in the spring, can scarcely ])e recommended as retaining any claim 
to notice, other than that of its handsome appearance ; it is also, by 
some, considered to be but a shy bearer. The Scarlet J^onpareil, is 
a fine apple, bears pretty well, and keeps till March. But of all the 
aj)ples I am acquainted with, none surpasses the Winter Pearmain; it 
keeps well till May, and retains a rich flavor, and a fine juicy texture. 
The Norfolk Beavfin, merits particular attention, as it is the fruit from 
which that delicate article of the dessert, termed "Biffen," is prepared. 
The tree is described in Loudon's Catalogue, as being "hardy, a great 
bearer, ' and the fi'uit, as "above the middle size, firm and savoury, 
ripe about Christmas, and keeps till August." 
I'he varieties of the Apple then, which I M'ould mention as peculi- 
arly eligible to those whose object it is to render the orchard a source 
of remuneration, are, — the Keswick Codling, and Hawthorndcn, as 
profuse and early bearers ;— an equal number of each of these. The 
Ribston Pippin, as particularlj' estimable for its flavour and texture 
till Christmas ; and also, for the high price it usually commands. The 
Winter Pearmain, for durability, and excellence of flavor in the spring. 
' It is filmed and described in tlie ''Pomologiral Magazine," t. 67 ; in " Pyrus Mains Brent- 
fordiensis," pat^e 23; and it is also described by Mr. George Lindley, in his ''Guide to the 
Orchard and Kitchen Garden," in the following- terms, — ^'■Friiit, middle sized, roinul, nnd 
flattened, l^ye, large, sliallow, with .scai'ce any appearance of plaiting. iS/o/A', short, deeply 
inserted. Skin, deep-red on the exposed side, with numerous white dots; on the shaded 
side, greenish.jellow, partially tinged with lirownish-red. Flesh, whitish, firm, very juicy, 
rich and pleasant. A Dessert Apple from November to March. Tliis very handsome and ex- 
cellent apple, has been known in the London nurseries but a few years. It makes a handsome 
tree, is very hardy, aud an abundant bearer. It highly deserves an extended cultivation." 
This description, it appears, is extracted from the Horticultural 'I'mnsaetions, vol. I. )iage fi", 
and vol. II, paste 103. CONDl'CTOR.S. 
