GENERAL INTRODUCTION. 
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V. 
The new varieties of Cider Apples which have been introduced into our orchards during 
the present century are very numerous. Several of the most valuable bear the name “ Norman” 
and have been represented on Plate xi. of the work, published in 1878. The doubt is there 
expressed, whether these so called “ Norman ” apples were really apples from Normandy ; and 
every effort has since been made to ascertain their history and origin. 
Marshall in his book on “Rural Economy” (1796), in the chapter on “Herefordshire 
Orchards,” first notices the fact, of the name “ Norman ” having been given to a Wilding growing 
in a hedgerow near Ledbury. He very properly points out the error; but from that time, 
notwithstanding, the custom seems to have prevailed, more and more, until of late years, all 
seedlings, or other unknown fruits, especially if they are “ Bittersweets,” have had the name 
“ Norman” attached to them. The absurdity is very glaring, when the varieties are named after 
Englishmen, as Barnett's Norman , Hawkins Norman , Phillips Norman ; or from English villages, 
as Cummy Norman , Didley Norman , Mar den Norman , &c.; and equally self evident is the anomaly 
when they bear such names as “ American Norman ,” Duke of Normans , Pride of Normans, &c. 
There are, in our orchards, nearly twenty of these so called Norman apples, and several of 
these varieties have become well-known throughout the county, and are highly esteemed. It was 
resolved to compare them with the real apples of Normandy. 
Last year (1883), through the great kindness of Monsieur Felix Dennis, a merchant at Havre, 
a very fine collection of cider apples was obtained direct from Normandy and sent to Hereford. 
Eighty-five of the best Norman varieties were exhibited in the Woolhope Room, at the Free 
Library ; but not a single one of them was similar to any of the Herefordshire fruits. In order to 
complete the experiment, it was necessary to take the first opportunity of placing the “ Norman ” 
apples of this county upon the tables in Normandy. 
This year (1884), a grand Congress of the Pomological Societies of France was announced 
to be held at Rouen. The Societe pomologique de France, in conjunction with the Association 
pomologique de l’Ouest decided to hold its Session at Rouen from October 2nd to the 12th; with 
the co-operation of the Societe Centrale d’Horticulture de la Seine-Inferieure, and other 
kindred Societies from the Departments of La Manche, Ille et Vilaine, &c. Exhibitions of 
Table Fruits and Vintage Fruits were also held, including Cider, and all other Orchard products 
and Orchard Machinery. An invitation was sent to the Woolhope Club to attend the 
Congress, and a Committee consisting of Dr. Hogg, of London ; Mr. Geo. H. Piper, 
of Ledbury ; and Dr. Bull of Hereford, was appointed to represent the Club at Rouen and 
to compare the Fruits of Herefordshire with those of Normandy. The ability and energy with 
which these gentlemen carried out their duties, may be said to have added an international feature 
to the Congress. The Report of the Committee is attached to this paper. Its success was most 
gratifying, and, as will be seen, a Gold Medal was awarded to the Herefordshire Table Fruit; a Bronze 
Medal to the Orchard Fruit; a Silver Gilt Medal to the Cider from mixed fruit, and a Silver Medal 
to Cider made from a single variety of Apples, and a large Silver Medal was also given to a bunch 
of Black Alicante Grapes from Eastnor Castle. To the Parts already published of the present 
work, the high reward of a “ Diplome d’Honneur ” was given from each of the Societies under whose 
