173 
Apple-blossom. 
habitants of this island of whom any records exist; and Glas¬ 
tonbury, that town so frequently alluded to in floral history, 
was known as the “ apple-orchard,” from the quantity of that 
fruit grown there previous to the Roman invasion. 
Many ancient rites and ceremonies connected with this holy 
tree are still practised in different portions of the country. In 
certain parts of Devonshire, on Twelfth-night or Old Christ- 
mas-eve, the farmer, accompanied by his men, takes a large 
pitcher of cider into the orchard, and there, after reverently 
saluting some of the largest trees, they proceed to the one 
reputed to be the best bearer of fruit, and, encircling it, they 
raise their voices like the bards of yore, and as they dance 
round it, chant this toast three times : 
‘ ‘ Here’s to thee, old apple-tree ! 
Hence thou may’st bud, and whence thou may’st blow ! 
And whence thou may’st bear apples enow! 
Hats full! caps full 1 
Bushel, bushel, sacks full, 
And my pockets full too ! Hurra !” 
Many country folks believe that if they neglected this custom 
—evidently a relic of paganism—the trees would bear no fruit 
during the ensuing year. 
In the Scandinavian mythology this tree played an impor¬ 
tant part. In the “ Edda,” the goddess Iduna is related to have 
had charge of the apples which had the power of conferring im¬ 
mortality, and which, in consequence of their miraculous pro¬ 
perty, were especially retained for the gods to eat when they 
felt themselves growing old. The evil spirit, Loke, carried off 
Iduna and the wonderful apple-tree, and hid them away in a 
forest where the deities were unable to find them. The results 
of this spiteful theft were that everything went wrong, both in 
the realms mundane and divine. The gods grew old and infirm, 
and, becoming enfeebled in mind and body, were no longer 
able to regulate the affairs of the earth ; and mortals, no longer 
having any one to look after them, fell into evil ways, and be¬ 
came a prey to the evil spirit. Affairs grew worse daily, until 
the gods, combining the remains of their strength, overcame 
Loke, and compelled him to restore the stolen apple-tree. 
Many curious customs connected with this fruit are fast 
dying out, and ere long will be talked of as relics of the past. 
