MODERN APPLE LORE. 
51 
The following is the refrain of a pretty folk song, supposed to be sung by a maiden on 
St. John’s Eve, which speaks for itself: 
“ Beau pommier, beau pommier, 
Qu’est si charge des fleurs 
Que mon cceur d’amour. 
II n’y faut qu’un p’tit vent 
Pour envoler ces fleurs. 
II ne faut qu’un jeune amant 
Pour y gagner mon cceur.” 
( Cornhill Magazine , i8j6.) 
on which Mr. Matter-of-fact might observe, that the 23rd of June is rather late for apple trees to 
blossom, especially in France. 
In Northamptonshire, it was formerly very much the custom on St. Valentine’s day for the 
children to go round from house to house, singing : 
“ Morrow, morrow, Valentine ! 
First ’tis yours, and then ’tis mine; 
So please to give me a Valentine. 
Holly and ivy tickle my toe, 
Give me red apples and let me go.” 
It is cruel to suggest that pricking with holly leaves, and then using those of ivy, are rural 
remedies for chilblains on toes; since it is more than probable here that the exigencies of the rhyme 
required a spirited metaphor—albeit the “ red ” apples might still be symbolical of the inflammation. 
In the neighbourhood of Salisbury, the boys go about before Shrove-tide, singing : 
“ Shrove-tide is nigh at hand, 
And I am come a shroving ; 
Pray dame, something— 
An apple or a dumpling,” &c., &c. 
and doubtless they got something, or they would not go. 
On Shrove Tuesday, apple fritters are allowed to be the best form of pancake: 
“ Let glad Shrove Tuesday bring the pancake thin 
Of fritter rich with apples stored within.” 
( Oxford Sausage, p. 22.) 
A very harmless lottery, by means of apples, is mentioned by Collinson (History of Somerset , 
///., 586) as having obtained formerly in Congresbury and Puxton. Certain common lands, named 
the Dolemoors, were apportioned annually among the commoners by lot: the lots being drawn by 
means of apples marked in a peculiar manner, so as to correspond with similar marks cut in the 
turf, on the various positions of the land to be divided. Collinson says this was done on the 
Saturday before Old Midsummer Day; which suggests some speculation as to what kind of apples 
they were, which the worthy folk of Congresbury were able to keep so long. 
The idea that the apples are christened by the showers of St. Swithin (July 15) is very 
general, and few country people would think of using them until this day was passed, It probably 
arose from the fact that they are not fit to use, before this time—indeed the “ Blessing of the New 
Apples” was not given until St. James’ Day (July 25), ten days later. 
[Brand's “ Popular Antiquities.” Ellis, /., 346.) 
