385 
It is said, that the apple cheese is pernicious to the ground : 
it is a well attested fact, that it has not been fully shown what 
are its noxious properties; might not the evil rather derive its 
origin from the too great abundance, than the quality, of this 
substance? This is a question which would well deserve to 
be explained. It is probable, that under certain modifica¬ 
tions, the apple cheese might be useful to the ground ; when 
it is exposed for any time to the action of the atmosphere, it 
becomes saturated with oxygen. For this reason, there is 
room to believe, that if it was mixed with quick lime, it would 
be capable, by neutralising itself, of being made a valuable 
compost; be it as it will, it may be turned to good advantage 
as fuel. Its elements having been changed by combustion, 
the ashes afford good manure. In Normandy and Britahy, 
where they keep it in pits, and occasionally mix some of it 
with bran and lukewarm water, it is a great resource for feed¬ 
ing- pigs during the winter. Every body knows how jt is ap¬ 
plied here in feeding cows. 
It may be asked, which is the more economical plan, to use 
iron or wooden hoops ? The former last longer, and thereby a 
great deal of valuable time is saved ; the expense of repairing 
the casks is, in a great measure avoided, and they are also more 
easily prepared to receive the liquor. All these circumstances 
together, seem to make up for more than the difference in the 
original price, and to concur to give them the preference with 
those individuals who can go to the first expense without in¬ 
commoding themselves. Tills is the only sort of hoops in use 
among the London brewers; I am, however, led to believe, 
that it would be desirable to mix the two sorts together, as is 
done by many nations with respect to their wines. To keep 
iron hoops well, it is necessary thqt they should be painted. 
i 
C c 
WORCESTERSHIRE.] 
CHAPTER 
