THE ORCHARD, ITS SOIL. 
119 
production. The evidence from history on this point is not quite satisfactory, for all the authorities 
of the 17th century agree jn recommending light sandy soils, such as are usually termed ‘Rye lands’: 
“ Look where the full-eared Sheaves of Rye 
Grow wavy on the Tilth, that Soil select 
For Apples.” (.Philips “ Cyder”) 
Knight says, “ The excellence of the Cider formerly made from the Redstreak , Golden Pippin, 
and Stire apples in light soils seems to evince that some fruits receive benefit from those qualities 
in the soil by which others are injured.” Marshall gives the instance of the once celebrated Stire 
which in the limestone lands of the Forest of Dean yielded an incomparably rich and highly 
flavoured Cider, but when grown in the deep rich soil of the vale of Gloucester afforded a liquor 
only useful for its strength and roughness. The Hagloe Crab again, another celebrated apple in its 
day, required the calcareous rock called “ Dunstone,” to give full flavour and richness to its liquor. 
The Foxwhelp on the other hand yields the Cider so remarkable for its strength and gusto , or 
that peculiar flavour for which it is so highly esteemed, from deep clay Sandstone loam, and if the 
trees arc grown on light, or too sandy a soil, its Cider is then thin and very inferior in flavour. 
The same might be repeated again and again of many other varieties. 
It is a curious fact, and certainly more than a coincidence, that the practical experience of so 
many generations of men should show that the two English counties which have chiefly given its 
high, character to English Cider, viz. Herefordshire and Devonshire, are both remarkable for the 
same character of soil, that is, for the deep clay loam of the Old Red Sandstone. This experience 
of centuries is fully borne out in our own times, and even in these favoured counties the districts 
specially noted for this character of soil are equally remarkable for Cider of the highest flavour and 
quality. The light soils will not now give superior Cider, and he who would plant a successful 
Orchard must choose a deep stiff Sandstone loam if he has the opportunity of doing so. 
The following analysis of Herefordshire soil was made by Mr. G. H. With, F.R. A.S., in 1877 : 
Analysis of the Credenhill Marl, or Cornstone. 
Organic matter and Combined water 
2 '261 
Silica and insoluble Silicates 
56-068 
Tricalcic Phosphate 
•391 
Lime Carbonate 
26-098 
Magnesia Carbonate 
2-2X1 
Peroxide of iron 
5 -r 7 o 
Alumina 
3-600 
Chloride of Potassium 
1-070 
Chloride of Sodium 
•427 
Peroxide of Manganese Sulphuric, acid, and Loss 
2-704 
I 
IOO’OOO 
Credenhill is noted for its Orchards, and their fertility is due in great measure to the supply 
of Lime, from the Marl, or Cornstone, which surrounds this hill, as it does so many others in 
Herefordshire. 
The Pear tree is still more hardy than the Apple tree; it will grow on the dry clay itself. 
The celebrated Taynton Squash draws its finest liquor from the heaviest soil : and that popular Pear- 
