y 
XXX. 
THE FRIAR. 
The culture of this Apple has been almost wholly confined 
to the north-west parts of Herefordshire; where the climate is 
cold, and the soil unfavourable; and where proper attention 
is never paid by the farmer, to the management of his Cider; 
which in consecpience is generally fit only for the ordinary 
purposes of a farm-house. But, under all these disadvantages, 
this Apple not unfrequently affords a cask of excellent Cider; 
and if it had been cultivated in a more favourable soil and 
climate, few Apples would have more amply repaid the care of 
the planter. It appears to be still capable of being cultivated 
with some advantage; for the trees are generally vigorous and 
productive; but some of them have stood at least a century, 
and therefore an orchard, now planted with it, would probably 
soon exhibit symptoms of the debility of old age. 
The Friar probably derives its name from some imagined 
resemblance between its colour, and that of the countenance 
of a well fed ecclesiastic.* The specific gravity of its juice, in 
the district where it is chiefly planted, is about 1073; but 
under more favourable circumstances it would probably be 
several degrees higher. 
* It is sometimes erroneously called the “ Red Richard,” with which variety 
it agrees in colour only. 
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