Chapter I: Preface

It is much to be regretted, that of late years, so little attention has been given in this country, to the study of pomology, and that so few efforts have been made to encourge a taste for this most important, most instructive, and intellectual branch of horticultural science.

Towards the end of the last, and beginning of the present century, when the late Mr. Knight was in the full vigor of his scientific pursuits, this was the subject which engaged so much of his powerful intellect, and from which he succeeded in producing such great and beneficial results. With Mr. Knight as president, and Mr. Sabine as secretary, the Horticultural Society of London did much for the advancement of this subject, and in extending a knowledge not only of the fruits of this country, but of the most valuable varieties of the continent of Europe, and America. Through the exertions of these gentlemen, and in conjunction with the illustrious pomologists, Dr. Diel and Professor Van Mons, and other eminent continental correspondents, was obtained that vast collection of fruits which once existed in the Society’s garden; and by means of which that great undertaking of determining and arranging the nomenclature was accomplished. During this period the Society’s Transactions teemed with rich, and interesting pomological papers, and several works of a high character were ushered into existence. Of these the most important were the Pomonas of Brookshaw and Hooker, the Pomological Magazine, and Ronalds’s Pyrus Malus Brentfordiensis; but these are all of such a class, as from their great cost to be regarded more as works of art, than of general utility. The only one which was at all calculated to be of general benefit was, Lindley’s “Guide to the Orchard;” a work which furnished descriptions of, and embraced a greater number of varieties than had hitherto been attempted. This then may be regarded as the most complete work for general reference, with which pomologists in this country had ever been furnished.

Upwards of twenty years have now elapsed since the “Guide to the Orchard” issued from the press, and during that period, Knight, Sabine, and many great patrons of pomology have entered into their rest, leaving none behind them to prosecute, with the same vigour, that study which they so much loved and adorned. But although there has been no corporate effort to promote and stimulate this study, private enterprize has not altogether been awanting to keep pace with the rapid progression of the Continent and America; but for this, we might yet have been in total ignorance of many of the most desirable fruits of modern times, and particularly of those valuable varieties, the result of the later labors of Van Mons, Esperen, and others; together with several of considerable merit, furnished by the fertile pomology of the New World.

Since the publication of Lindley’s “Guide,” therefore, there has not only been such additions to our varieties of fruits, but such a complete reformation and arrangement of pomological nomenclature as to have rendered that book, as a work of reference of considerably less value; and it was on account of the necessity for a new work, adapted to the wants of the present day, and embracing the most recent information on the subject, that I entered upon the present undertaking. The facilities I have possessed for carrying it out, are perhaps greater than fall to the lot of most men. My earliest associations were with fruits and fruit trees; the greater part of my active life has been engaged in their cultivation and devoted to their study; and for nearly ten years, I had the advantage of making an annual tour throughout the length and breadth of England and Scotland, during which, I allowed no opportunity to escape of making myself acquainted with the fruits of the various districts, and securing correspondents to whom I could apply, in cases of necessity. With these advantages, I some years ago established an orchard, for the purpose of examining the distinctive characters and determining the nomenclature of fruits; and there I have succeeded, in securing all the varieties it is possible to procure, either in this country or abroad, and thereby to obtain from personal observation all the information attainable on the subject.

In the execution of this work, my object has been, not to give a mere selection of the best varieties of fruits cultivated in this country, but to describe minutely, and at length, all the varieties with their essential characters, distinguishing those which are, and those which are not worthy of cultivation. I have endeavoured to embrace all the fruits which are recorded as existing in Great Britain, and although it cannot be supposed I have been able to obtain the whole of them, still, I have secured such a number as will leave but a very small portion un-noticed. The plan which I have adopted in the general arrangement will be found to embrace all matters both descriptive, historical, and critical, touching the several varieties. The nomenclature I have followed is, except in some instances for reasons given, that of the London Horticultural Society’s Catalogue, a valuable work prepared by that patient and indefatigable pomologist, Mr. Robert Thompson. The advantage of this identity of nomenclature is evident, as it sets at rest that mass of confusion, which so long existed as to the correct names of fruits. In describing each variety, the approved name, that is the name which shall serve as a standard by which that variety shall in future be distinguished, is printed in Roman Capitals; and either abbreviated, or in full length, is annexed the name of the author who first records or describes it. When the variety is of such antiquity as not to be identified with any particular author, the name of the one who first distinctly describes it is given. Following the standard name, is the identification or list of works in which the variety is identified as being described; the synonymes or names by which it is mentioned in all works on pomology, or known in various districts; and then a list of works in which it is most correctly and faithfully figured. Then follow the description, history, and critical observations, when such are necessary. I have furnished diagrams, of the newest, rarest, and most esteemed varieties; and this mode of illustration conveys a better idea of the general character of the fruit, than a fore-shortened drawing, and answers the same purpose as a highly finished engraving, without swelling the price of the work to such an extent, as to render it unavailable for ordinary use. At the end, I have given lists of the most excellent varieties adapted for various districts of the country, as also such as are suited for being grown as Standards, Dwarfs, and for Cyder. The whole work is terminated by a copious index, which includes all the synonymes, and which of itself, will afford much valuable assistance, in all matters relating to pomological nomenclature.

It now remains for me to acknowledge the favors I have received from many kind friends, who have, by furnishing materials and information, rendered me much valuable assistance. To Mr. Robert Thompson, already mentioned, I am particularly indebted for the liberal way in which he has always supplied me with any information I required. To the late Mr. John Ronalds, of Brentford, for the free use of his valuable collection; as also to his excellent and much respected foreman, Mr. William Waring. To Mr. James Lake, nurseryman, of Bridgewater, for specimens of, and communications respecting the fruits of the Somerset, Devon, and West of England orchards. To Mr. William Fairbread, of Green-street, near Sittingbourne, for those of the great orchard districts of Kent. To Mr. Mannington, of Uckfield, and Mr. Henry Barton, of Heathfield, Sussex, for the fruits of these neighbourhoods. To Mr. J. C. Wheeler, of Gloucester, and the late Mr. Hignell, orchardist, of Tewkesbury. To George Jefferies, Esq., of Marlborough Terrace, Kensington, for some of the valuable fruits of Norfolk; and to the Rev. Henry Manton, of Sleaford. To Mr. Roger Hargreave, of Lancaster, for a complete collection from the Lancashire orchards. To Archibald Turnbull, Esq., of Belwood, near Perth, whose choice and extensive collection, was freely placed at my disposal. To Mr. A. Gorrie, of Annat, and Robert Mathew, Esq., of Gourdiehill, in the Carse of Gowrie, for much valuable information, and specimens of the fruits of that great orchard district of the North. To Mr. Evans, superintendent of the Caledonian Horticultural Society’s Garden, Edinburgh, for much valuable assistance derived from a free inspection of the collection of the Society. To my brother, Mr. Thomas Hogg, of Coldstream, for the fruits of the Tweedside orchards, and to numerous nurserymen and private individuals, who have aided me in the prosecution of this work, I now tender my warmest and heartfelt thanks.

R. H.

_13, Gilston Road, Brompton,
Dec., 1851._

ABBREVIATIONS, AND LIST OF BOOKS REFERRED TO IN THE FOLLOWING WORK.

_Aber. Dict._ }
_Aber. Gard. Dict._ }
The Universal Gardener and Botanist; or a General Dictionary of
Gardening and Botany, by John Abercrombie, 1 vol. 4to.,
_London,_ 1778.

_Acc, or acc._--When this abbreviation is prefixed to a citation, it
signifies _according to_, or _on the authority of_, as _acc Hort
Soc. Cat_, according to, or on the authority of the Horticultural
Society’s Catalogue.

_Aldro. Dend._--Ulyssis Aldrovandi, Dendrologiæ naturalis scilicet
Arborum Historiæ libri duo. Sylva Glandaria, Acinosumque Pomarium.
1 vol. fol. _Bononiæ_, 1668.

_Ang. Obs._--Observations sur L’Agriculture, et Le Jardinage, pour
servir d’instruction à ceux qui desireront s’y rendre habiles, par
Angran de Rueneuve. 2 vols. 12mo., _Paris_, 1712.

_Aust. Orch._ }
_Aust. Treat._ }
A Treatise of Fruit Trees, shewing the manner of Grafting,
Planting, Pruning, and Ordering of them, in all respects,
according to new and easy rules of Experience, &c. &c., by
Ralph Austen. 1 vol. 4to.,_Oxford_, 1657.

_Bauh. Hist._--Historia Plantarum universalis, Johanno Bauhino.
3 vols. fol. _Ebroduni._ i and ii. 1650, iii. 1651.

_Baum. Cat._--Catalogue général des Végétaux de pleine terre,
disponsibles dans l’etablishment horticole d’Aug. Nap. Baumann à
Bolwyller, 1850-51.

_Bon. Jard._--Le Bon Jardinier almanach pour l’année, 1843. _Paris._

_Booth Cat._--A Catalogue of Fruit Trees cultivated by G. Booth,
Hamburg.

_Brad. Fam. Dict._--Dictionaire Oeconomique; or Family Dictionary, &c.
&c., by Richard Bradley. 2 vols. fol. _London_, 1725.

_Brad. Treat._--A General Treatise of Husbandry and Gardening, by
Richard Bradley. 3 vols. 8vo., _London_, 1721-1722.

_Bret. Ecole._--L’Ecole du Jardin Fruitier, par M. de la Bretonnerie.
2 vols. 12mo. _Paris_, 1784.

_Brook. Pom. Brit._--Pomona Britannica; or a collection of the most
established fruits at present cultivated in Great Britain, &c., by
George Brookshaw. 1 vol. fol. _London_, 1812.

_Caled. Hort. Soc. Mem._--Memoirs of the Caledonian Horticultural
Society, 8vo. _Edinburgh_, vol. I. 1819, _et seq._

_Cal. Traité._--Traité complet sur les Pépiniers &c., par Etienne
Calvel. ed. 2, 3 vols. 12mo., _Paris._ _N. D._

_Chart. Cat._--Catalogue des Arbres à Fruits les plus excellent, les
plus rares, et les plus estimés, qui se cultivent dans les pépiniers
des Révérendes Peres Chartreux de Paris. 1 vol. 12mo., _Paris_, 1775.

_Christ Gartenb._--Allgemein-practisches Gartenbuch für Bürger und
Landmann über den Küchen-und Obstgarten, von Dr. Joh. Ludw. Christ.
1 vol. 8vo. _Heilbronn_, 1814.

_Christ Handb._--Handbuch uber die Obstbaumzucht und Obstlehre, &c.,
von Joh. Ludw. Christ. 1 vol. 8vo., _Frankfurt a M._, ed. 1, 1794;
ed. 2, 1797; ed. 3, 1804; ed 4, 1817.

_Christ Handworter._--Pomologisches Theoretisch-practisches
Handworterbuch, &c. von Joh. Ludw. Christ. 1 vol 4to. _Leipzig_, 1802.

_Christ Vollst. Pom._--Vollständige Pomologie &c. &c. von Joh. Ludw.
Christ. 2 vols. 8vo., _Frankfurt_, 1809.

_Coles Adam in Eden._--Adam in Eden, or Nature’s Paradise. The History
of Plants, Fruits, and Flowers, by William Coles. 1 vol. fol.,
_London_, 1657.

_Cord. Hist._--Valerii Cordi Historiæ Stirpium Libri iv. 1 vol. fol.,
_Argentorati_, 1561.

_Cours Comp. d.Agric._--Nouveau Cours complet d’Agriculture, par M. M.
Thouin, Parmentier, Bosc, Chaptal, &c. &c., 16 vols. 8vo., _Paris_,
1823.

_Coxe View._ }
_Coxe Cult._ }
A View of the cultivation of Fruit Trees in the United States, and
of the management of Orchards and Cyder, by William Coxe, 1 vol.
8vo., _Philadelphia_, 1817.

_Curtius Hort._--Hortorum Libri xxx, auctore Benedicto Curtio. 1 vol.
fol., _Lugduni_ 1560.

_Dahuron Traité._--Traité de la taille des Arbres Fruitiers, et de la
maniere de les bien elever, par Renè Dahuron. 1 vol. 12mo., _Cell_,
1699.

_Dec. Prod._--Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetablis. Aug.
Pyr. Decandolle, 8vo., _Paris_, vol. 1, 1824, _et seq._

_Diel Kernobst._--Versuch einer systematischen Beschreibung in
Deutschland vorhandener Kernobstsorten, von Dr. Aug. Fried.
Adr. Diel. 21 Hfte 8vo., _Frankfurt a M._, 1799-1819. 6 Bdchn,
_Stuttgart_, 1821.-1832.

_Ditt. Handb._--Systematisches Handbuch der Obstkunde, von J. G.
Dittrich. 3 vols. 8vo., _Jena_, 1839-1841.

_Doch. Centralobst._--Die Allgemeine Centralobstbaumschule, irhe
Zwecke und Einrichtung von F. J. Dochnahl. 1 vol. 8vo., _Jena_, 1848.

_Down. Fr. Amer._--The Fruit and Fruit Trees of America; or the
culture and management in the garden and orchard of Fruit Trees
generally, by A. J. Downing. 1 vol. 8vo., _New York_, 1845.

_Duh. Arb. Fruit._--Traité des Arbres Fruitiers; contenant leur
figure, leur description, leur culture &c., par Henri Louis Duhamel
du Monceau. 2 vols. 4to _Paris_, 1768.

_Ellis Mod. Husb._--The Modern Husbandman, or the Practice of Farming,
by William Ellis. 8 vols. 8vo., _London_, 1744-1747.

_Evelyn Fr. Gard._--The French Gardiner; instructing how to cultivate
all sorts of Fruit Trees and Herbs for the garden, &c., by John
Evelyn, Esq. Ed. 3, 1 vol. 12mo., _London_, 1672.

_Evelyn Pom._--Pomona: or an appendix concerning Fruit Trees, in
relation to Cyder; the making, and several ways of ordering it, by
John Evelyn. Published with the Sylva. 1 vol. fol., _London_, 1829.

_Filass. Tab._--Tableau générale des principeaux objects qui composent
la Pépiniere, dirigée par M. Filassier. 1 vol. _Paris_, 1785.

_Fors. Treat._--A Treatise on the culture and management of Fruit
Trees, by William Forsyth. Ed. 7, 1 vol. 8vo. _London_, 1824.

_Gallesio Pom. Ital._--Pomona Italiana ossia trattato degli Alberi
Fruttiferi di Georgeo Gallesio. fol. _Pisa_, 1817. _et seq._

_Gard. Chron._--The Gardener’s Chronicle and Agricultural Gazette,
edited by Professor Lindley. fol. _London_, 1841, _et seq._

_Ger. Herb._--The Herbal, or General History of Plants, by John
Gerard. 1 vol. fol., _London_, 1597.

_Gibs. Fr. Gard._--The Fruit Gardener, containing the manner of
raising stocks, for multiplying of Fruit Trees by budding, grafting,
&c. &c. 1 vol. 8vo., _London_, 1768.
⁂ The authorship of this work is ascribed to John Gibson, Esq., M.D.,
at one time a surgeon in the Royal Navy.

_Googe Husb._--The whole Art and Trade of Husbandry contained in foure
books, by Barnaby Googe, Esq. 1 vol. 4to., _London_, 1614.

_H._--When this initial of the author’s name is placed after the
standard name of any variety, it signifies, that that variety has not
been recorded or described in any previous work.

_Henne Anweis._--Anweisung wie man eine Baumschule von Obstbäumen in
grossen anlegen und gehörig unterhalten solle, von Sam. Dav. Lud.
Henne. Ed. 3, 1 vol. 8vo., _Halle_, 1776.

_Hitt Treat._--A Treatise of Fruit Trees, by Thomas Hitt, ed. 3, 1 vol
8vo. _London_, 1768.

_Hook. Pom. Lond._--Pomona Londonensis, &c., by William Hooker. 1 vol.
4to., _London_, 1813.

_Hort. Soc. Cat._-- }
_H. S. C._ }
A Catalogue of the Fruits cultivated in the garden of the
Horticultural Society of London. 1 vol. 8vo., _London_. Ed. 1,
1826. Ed. 2, 1842. Ed. 3, 1843.
⁂ The second and third Editions of this work, were prepared by Mr.
Robert Thompson, the superintendent of the Fruit department in the
Society’s Garden.

_Hort. Trans._--Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London,
4to., _London_, vol. 1, 1813, _et seq._

_Husb. Fr. Orch._--The Husbandman’s Fruitfull Orchard, &c. &c. 1 vol.
4to, _London_, 1597.

_Ibid._--When this abbreviation is made use of among the synonymes, it
refers to the same work as is quoted immediately preceding it.

_Inst. Arb. Fruict._--Instructions pour les Arbres Fructiers, par M.
R. T. P. D. S. M. Ed. 3, 1 vol. 12mo., _Roven_, 1659.

_Jard. Franç._--Le Jardinier François, qui enseigne à cultiver les
Arbres, Herbes, Potageres, &c. &c. Ed. 4, 1 vol. 12mo., _Paris_, 1653.

_Jard. Fruit._--See _Nois. Jard. Fruit._

_Ken. Amer. Or._--The New American Orchardist, by William Kenrick.
1 vol. 8vo., _Boston_, 1833.

_Knoop Pom._--Pomologie; ou description des meilleurs sortes des
Pommes et des Poires, &c. &c. 1 vol. fol. _Amsterdam_, 1771.

_Lang. Pom._--Pomona; or the Fruit Garden illustrated, by Batty
Langley. 1 vol. fol., _London_, 1729.

_Laws. Cat._--Catalogue of Fruit Trees, et cætera. Peter Lawson and
Son, _Edinburgh_, 1851.

_Laws. New. Or._-- }
_Laws. Orch._ }
A New Orchard and Garden; or the best way for planting, grafting,
and to make any ground good for a rich orchard, &c., by William
Lawson. 1 vol. 4to., _London_ 1597.

_Leslie & Anders. Cat._--Catalogue of Hardy Shrubs, Greenhouse and
Hothouse Plants, Fruit and Forest Trees, &c., &c., sold by Leslie,
Anderson, and Co., _Edinburgh_, 1780.

_Lind. Guide._--A Guide to the Orchard and Kitchen Garden; or an
account of the most valuable Fruit and Vegetables cultivated in Great
Britain, by George Lindley. 1 vol. 8vo., _London_, 1831.

_Lind. Plan. Or._--A Plan of an Orchard, by George Lindley, 1796.

_M. C. H. S._--See _Caled. Hort. Soc. Mem._

_McInt. Orch._--The Orchard, including the management of Wall and
Standard Fruit Trees, by Charles McIntosh. 1 vol. 8vo, _London_, 1839.

_Maund Fruit._--The Fruitist, by Benjamin Maund, 4to., _London_,
published along with Maund’s British Flower Garden.

_Mayer Pom. Franc._--Pomona Franconica; oder natürliche Abbildung und
Beschreibung der besten und vorzüglichsten Europaischen Gattungen
der Obstbäumen und Fruchte, von J. Mayer. 3 vols. 4to., _Nürenberg_,
1776-1801.

_Meager Eng. Gard._--The English Gardener; or a sure Guide to young
planters and gardeners, in three parts, by Leonard Meager. 1 vol.
4to., _London_, 1670.

_Merlet Abrégé._--Abrégé des bons fruits, avec la maniere de les
connoitre et de cultiver les arbres, par Jean Merlet. ed. 2, 1 vol.
12mo., _Paris_, 1675.

_Meyen Bäumsch._--Physicalisch-oeconomische Bäumschule, &c., von J. J.
Meyer. _Stettin_, 1795.

_Mid. Flor._--The Midland Florist, by William Wood. 12mo.,
_Nottingham_, V. Y.

_Mill. Dict._--The Gardener’s Dictionary, by Philip Miller, ed. 8, 1
vol. fol. _London_, 1768.

_Miller & Sweet Cat._--A Catalogue of Fruit and Forest Trees, &c. Sold
by Miller and Sweet, nurserymen, _Bristol_, 1790.

_Nicol Gard. Kal._--The Gardener’s Kalendar; or Monthly Directory of
operations in every branch of Horticulture, by Walter Nicol. 1 vol.
8vo., _Edinburgh_, 1810.

_Nicol Villa Gard._--The Villa Garden Directory; or Monthly Index of
work to be done in the town and villa gardens, by Walter Nicol. 1
vol. 8vo., _Edinburgh_, 1809.

_Nois. Jard. Fruit._--Le Jardin Fruitier, par Louis Noisette. ed. 1, 3
vols. 4to., _Paris_, 1821. ed. 2, 2 vols. 8vo., _Paris_, 1839.

_Nourse Camp. Fel._--Campania Felix; or a Discourse of the benefits,
and improvements of Husbandry, by Tim. Nourse. 1 vol. 8vo., _London_,
1700.

_Park. Par._--Paradisi in sole Paradisius Terrestris, &c., by John
Parkinson. 1. vol. fol. _London_, 1629.

_Philips Cyder._--Cyder, a Poem in two books, by John Philips. 1 vol.
8vo., _London_, 1708.

_Plin. Hist. Nat._--C. Plinii Secundi, Historiæ Mundi Libri xxxvii,
annotat. Jacobi Dalechampi. 1 vol. fol., _Frankfurt ad Moenum_, 1599.

_Poit. et. Turp._--Traité des Arbres Fruitiers de Duhamel, nouvelle
edition augmentée, par Poiteau et Turpin. 5 vols. fol. _Paris_, 1808,
_et seq._

_Poit. Pom. Franç_--Pomologie Française; Receuil des plus beaux fruits
cultivés en France, par Poiteau., 4to., _Paris_, 1838, _et seq_

_Pom. Heref._--Pomona Herefordienses; or a descriptive account of the
old Cyder and Perry fruits of Herefordshire, by Thomas Andrew Knight.
1 vol. 4to., _London_, 1809.

_Pom. Lond._--See _Hook. Pom. Lond._

_Pom. Mag._--The Pomological Magazine; or Figures and Descriptions of
the most important varieties of Fruits cultivated in Great Britain. 3
vols. 8vo. _London_, 1827-1830.

_Portæ Villæ_--Villæ Jo. Baptistæ Portæ, Neopolitani Libri xii. 1 vol.
4to, _Frankfurti_, 1592.

_Quint. Inst._--Instructions pour les Arbres Fruitiers et Potageres,
par M. de la Quintinye. 2 vols. 4to., _Paris_, 1695.

_Quint. Traité._--See _Quint. Inst._

_Raii. Hist._--Historia Plantarum, Joannis Raii. 3 vols. fol.,
_Londini_, 1686, 1693, and 1704.

_Rea Pom._--Flora, Ceres, et Pomona, by John Rea. 1 vol. fol.
_London_, 1665.

_Riv. Cat._--Catalogue of Fruit Trees cultivated by Thomas Rivers,
nurseryman, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, V. Y.

_Riv. et Moul. Meth._--Methode pour bien cultiver les Arbres Fruits
et pour élever des Treilles. par De La Riviere & Du Moulin. 1 vol.
12mo., _Utrecht_, 1738.

_Rog. Fr. Cult._--The Fruit Cultivator, being a practical and accurate
description of all the most esteemed species and varieties of Fruit,
cultivated in the Gardens and Orchards of Britain, by John Rogers. 1
vol. 8vo., _London_, 1837.

_Ron. Cat._--Catalogue of Fruit Trees cultivated by Hugh Ronalds and
Sons, Brentford, Middlesex.

_Ron. Pyr Mal._--Pyrus Malus Brentfordiensis; or a concise description
of selected apples, with a figure of each sort, by Hugh Ronalds. 1
vol. 4to., _London_, 1831.

_Salisb. Orch._--Hints addressed to proprietors of Orchards and to
growers of fruit in general, &c. &c., by William Salisbury. 1 vol.
8vo., _London_, 1816.

_Saltz. Pom._--Pomologie oder Fruchtlehre enthaltend eine Anweisung
alles in freier Luft unseres klimas Wachsende Obst, &c., zu erkennen,
von F. Z. Saltzmann. 1 vol. 8vo., _Berlin_, 1793.

_Schab. Prat._--La Pratique du Jardinage, par. L’Abbé Roger Schabol. 2
vols. 8vo., _Paris_, 1774.

_Sickler Obstgärt._--Der Teutsche Obstgärtner, von J. B. Sickler. 22
vols. 8vo., _Weimar_, 1794-1804.

_Switz. Fr. Gard._--The Practical Fruit Gardener, by Stephen Switzer.
1 vol. 8vo., _London_, 1724.

_Thomp._--Where this abbreviation is made use of, it refers to the
authority of Mr. Robert Thompson, author of the Horticultural
Society’s Catalogue of Fruits, and many valuable pomological and
other scientific papers.

_Toll. Traité._--Traité des Végétaux qui composent l’Agriculture de
l’empire Française par Tollard. 1 vol. 8vo., _Paris_, 1805.

_Tragus. Hist._--Hieronymi Tragi De Stirpium, &c. interprete Davide
Kybro. 1 vol. 4to., _Argentorati_, 1552.

_Walter Gartenb._--Allgemeine Deutsches Gartenbuch, von J. J. Walter.
1 vol. 8vo, _Stuttgart_, 1799.

_West. Bot._--The Universal Botanist and Nurseryman, containing
descriptions of the species and varieties of all the Trees, Shrubs,
Herbs, Flowers, and Fruits, native and exotics, &c., by Richard
Weston. 4 vols. 8vo., _London_, 1770, 1774.

_Willich Dom. Encyc._--The Domestic Encyclopedia, by A. F. M. Willich.
5 vols. 8vo., _London_.

_Worl. Vin._--Vinetum Britannicum, or a Treatise of Cyder, and such
other Wines and Drinks, that are extracted from all manner of fruits
growing in this Kingdom, by J. Worlidge. 1 vol. 8vo., _London_, 1676.

_Zink. Pom._--Dieser Pomologie, von J. C. Zink. 1 vol. fol.,
_Nürnberg_, 1766.

BRITISH POMOLOGY.

ETC. ETC. ETC.

THE APPLE.

There is no fruit, in temperate climates, so universally esteemed, and so extensively cultivated, nor is there any which is so closely identified with the social habits of the human species as the apple. Apart from the many domestic purposes to which it is applicable, the facility of its cultivation, and its adaptation to almost every latitude, have rendered it, in all ages, an object of special attention and regard. There is no part of our island where one or other of its numerous varieties is not cultivated, and few localities where the finest cannot be brought to perfection.

The apple is a native of this, as well as almost every other country in Europe. Its normal form is the Common Wild Crab, the _Pyrus Malus_ of Linnæus, and the numerous varieties with which our gardens and orchards abound, are the result either of the natural tendency of that tree to variation, or by its varieties being hybridized with the original species, or with each other. It belongs to the natural order _Rosaceæ_, section _Pomeæ_, and is, by botanists, included in the same genus as the pear. The principal difference between apples and pears, when considered botanically, consists in their stamens and styles; the stamens of the apple have their filaments straight, united together at the base, and forming a bundle round the styles, of which they conceal the inferior part. All the filaments of the pear on the contrary are divergent, disposed almost like the radii of a wheel, and leave the bases of the styles entirely naked and exposed. The styles in the apple are united at their base into one body, and are generally villous in that part where they adhere to each other: in the pear, however, they are separate at their base. But although the apple and pear very much resemble each other in their botanical characters, they differ very materially in their form, cellular tissue, and specific gravity. Apples have always the base umbellicate, or hollowed with a deep cavity, in which the stalk is inserted, and are generally spherical. The pear, on the other hand, is elongated towards the stalk, and is generally of a pyramidal shape, or nearly so. The cellular tissue of the apple, according to the microscopical observations of Turpin, is composed of a great number of agglomerated, distinct vesicles, each existing independent of the other, varying in size in the same fruit, and, in general, larger, as the apple is large and light. These vesicles are colorless and transparent, and vary in their form according to the want of space requisite for their individual development. They contain in greater or less abundance, a sugary, acid, or bitter juice, which is perceivable in the different varieties. The cellular tissue of the apple possesses no stony concretions, and its specific gravity is greater than that of the pear; so much so, that by taking a cube of each, of equal size, and throwing them into a vessel of water, that of the apple will float, while that of the pear will sink. In its natural or wild state the apple tree is of a small size, attaining generally about twenty feet in height, of a crooked habit of growth, with small, harsh, and austere fruit, and small thin leaves. But when improved by cultivation, it loses much of its original form, assumes a more free and luxuriant growth, with larger, thicker, and more downy leaves, and produces fruit distinguished for its size, color, and richness of flavor.

Some authors have ascribed the introduction of the apple into this country to the Romans, and others to the Normans; in both cases, however, without any evidence or well grounded authority. Mr. Loudon says, “The apple was, in all probability, introduced into Britain by the Romans, as well as the pear; and like that fruit, perhaps, re-introduced by the heads of religious houses on their establishment, after the introduction of christianity.”[A] It is more probable that it has existed as an indigenous tree throughout all ages, and that the most ancient varieties were accidental variations of the original species, with which the forests abounded. These being cultivated, and subjected to the art and industry of man, would give rise to other varieties, and thus a gradual amelioration of the fruit would be obtained. The earliest records make mention of the apple in the most familiar terms. That it was known to the ancient Britons, before the arrival of the Romans is evident from their language. In Celtic, it is called _Abhall_, or _Abhal_; in Welch, _Avall_; in Armoric, _Afall_ and _Avall_; in Cornish, _Aval_ and _Avel_. The word is derived from the pure Celtic, _ball_, signifying any round body.[B] The ancient Glastonbury was called by the Britons Ynys Avallaç, and Ynys Avallon, which signify an apple orchard,[C] and from this its Roman name _Avallonia_ was derived. The apple must therefore have been known in Britain before the arrival of the Romans; and that it continued to exist after they left the island, and before the Norman conquest, is certified by William of Malmesbury, who says, that King Edgar in 973, while hunting in a wood was left alone by his associates; in this situation he was overcome by an irresistable desire to sleep, and alighting from his horse he lay down under the shade of a _wild apple tree_.[D] Shortly after the Norman conquest, the same author writes with reference to Gloucestershire. “Cernas tramites publicos vestitos pomiferis arboribus, non insitiva manus industria, sed ipsius solius humi natura.” Some writers[E] entertain the popular error that the cultivation of apples was not a branch of rural economy in England before Richard Harris planted orchards in several parts of Kent, in the reign of Henry the Eighth; but there is evidence to the contrary. In a bull of Pope Alexander the Third, in the year 1175, confirming the property belonging to the monastery of Winchcombe, in Gloucestershire, is mentioned, “The town of Twining with all the lands, _orchards_, meadows, &c.;”[F] and in a charter of King John, granting property to the priory of Lanthony, near Gloucester, is mentioned “the church of Herdesley, with twelve acres of land, _and an orchard_.”[G] But its cultivation was not confined to the southern counties, for we find there was an extensive manufacture of cider as far north as Richmond, in Yorkshire, in the early part of the thirteenth century. It would be too much to say that all the varieties cultivated at an early period, were indigenous to this country; many no doubt, were introduced at the Norman conquest, and it is probable that in the middle ages some varieties were introduced from the continent, by members of the different religious houses which then existed, who not unfrequently had personal intercourse with France, and who devoted considerable attention to horticulture; but there is every reason to believe that the earliest varieties were native productions. The oldest works which treat on the cultivation of fruits, afford little or no information as to these early varieties. In some ancient documents of the twelfth century, we find the Pearmain[H] and Costard mentioned, but the horticultural works of the period are too much occupied with the fallacies and nonsense which distinguish those of the Roman agricultural writers, to convey to us any knowledge of the early pomology of this country. Turner in his Herbal, has no record of any of the varieties, and simply states, in reference to the apple, “I nede not to descrybe thys tre, because it is knowen well inoughe in all countres.” Barnaby Googe mentions as, “Chiefe in price, the Pippin, the Romet, the Pomeroyall, the Marigold, with a great number of others that were too long to speake of.” Leonarde Mascal gives instruction how “to graffe the Quyne Apple;” but that is the only variety he mentions. In a note book in the possession of Sir John Trevelyan, of Nettlecombe, near Taunton, which was kept by one of his ancestors, from the year 1580 to 1584, is an entry of “The names of Apelles, which I had their graffes from Brentmarch, from one Mr. Pace--_Item_, the Appell out of Essex; Lethercott, or Russet Apell; Lounden Peppen; Kew Goneling, or the Croke; Glass Appell or Pearmeane; Red Stear; Nemes Appell, or Grenlinge; Bellabone; Appell out of Dorsettsher; Domine quo Vadis.” In “The Husbandman’s Fruitfull Orchard,” we have Pippins, Pearemains, John Apples, Winter Russetings, and Leather Coats. Gerard enumerates and figures “The Pome Water, the Baker’s Ditch, the King of Apples, the Quining or Queene of Apples, the Sommer Pearemaine,” and “the Winter Pearemaine;” and he says, “I have seene in the pastures and hedgerowes about the grounds of a worshippfull gentleman, dwelling two miles from Hereford, called _M. Roger Bednome_, so many trees of all sortes, that the seruants drinke for the most part no other drinke, but that which is made of Apples. The quantitie is such, that by the report of the gentleman himselfe, the parson hath for tithe many hogsheads of Syder.”

[A] Arb. Brit. vol. ii, p. 895.

[B] Armstrong’s Gaelic Dictionary.

[C] Owen’s Dictionary of the Welch Language.

[D] Lib. ii. cap. 8.

[E] Duncumb’s History of Herefordshire, vol. 1, p. 187.

[F] Rudder’s History of Gloucestershire, App. liii., No. xxxv.

[G] Rudder’s History of Gloucestershire, App. xxvii., No. xix.

[H] Blomefield’s History of Norfolk, vol. xi., p. 242.

But it is to Parkinson we are indebted for the best account of the early English varieties, of which he enumerates no less than fifty-nine, with “tweenty sorts of sweetings and none good;” and from him may be dated the dawn of British Pomology. Hartlib mentions one who had 200 sorts of apples, and was of opinion that 500 sorts existed. Rea, in his Pomona, enumerates twenty varieties, sixteen of which are not mentioned by Parkinson; and Meager gives a list of eighty-three, which were cultivated in the Brompton Park, and some other nurseries round London, of which fifty-one are not found in the lists of either Parkinson or Rea. Worlidge mentions ninety-two, which are chiefly cider fruits. The seventy-seven varieties of Ray are much the same as those enumerated by Worlidge. During the last century, the writings of Switzer, Langley, Hitt, Miller, and Abercrombie, added little to what have already been noticed, except that Switzer first mentions the Nonpareil; and it is to Forsyth that we are indebted for a more extended knowledge of the different varieties, then known to exist in this country. With Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq., the first President of the London Horticultural Society, a new era in the history of pomology commenced, and during his lifetime there was more attention devoted to this study, than had been since the days of Evelyn and De Quintinye. It was with this zealous horticulturist, that a practical application of the discovery of the sexes of plants, was first systematically carried into operation; and the success which attended his labors in hybridization, is evinced by the many valuable varieties of fruits which he was the means of producing. Through the exertions of this gentleman, and his illustrious cotemporaries, Sabine, Williams, and Braddick, the gardens of the Horticultural Society, became a depository for all the varieties which could be gathered together from all parts of Europe and America, and the result has been, that in the last edition of the Society’s Catalogue, Mr. Thompson has enumerated upwards of 1400 varieties of the apple alone, the greater portion of which, however, are proved to be unworthy of cultivation for any purpose whatever.

The apple is a very wholesome fruit. In its raw state it is highly esteemed in the dessert, and when either roasted, boiled, or in pies, it forms an excellent and nutritious food. Dr. Johnson says he knew a clergyman, of small income, who brought up a family very reputably, which he chiefly fed on apple dumplings! Administered to invalids it is cooling, refreshing, and laxative. It is well known as furnishing an excellent sauce; and apple jelly forms one of the finest preserves. Norfolk Beefings are that variety of apple baked in ovens, after the bread is drawn, and flattened to the form in which they are sold in the shops of the confectioners and fruiterers. In Normandy and America, apples are to a considerable extent dried in the sun, in which state they may be preserved for a long period and used at pleasure, when they form an excellent dish stewed with sugar, cloves, and other spices. Those dried in America are cut into quarters, while those of Normandy are preserved whole. There is a drink with which our ancestors were wont to regale themselves called _Lambs-wool_, or more properly _Lamasool_, a word derived from _La maes Abhal_, which signifies the day of apple fruit. This drink was composed of ale and the pulp of roasted apples, with sugar and spice. It is mentioned by Gerard, and in an old song, called “The King and the Miller,” we find it referred to

“A cup of _Lambs-wool_ they drank to him there.”

Besides these, and many other uses to which the apple is applied, its juice produces cider, which forms, in many parts of this country, in Normandy, and the United States, an indispensable beverage. The juice of the wild species, called crab vinegar, or verjuice, when applied externally is good for strains, spasms, and cramps.

The chemical composition of the apple is, chlorophylle, sugar, gum, vegetable fibre, albumen, malic acid, tannin and gallic acid, lime, and a great quantity of water.

The apple may be grown on almost any description of soil, provided it is not absolutely wet. That on which it succeeds best is a humid sandy loam, or a well-drained strong clay, which if it possesses a calcareous, or gravelly subsoil, will be still more advantageous. It is not requisite that it should be of so great depth as for pears, as the apple, having no tap-root, does not penetrate so far into the soil. From eighteen inches to two feet will be found a good depth; but where the soil is good, and the subsoil sufficiently humid without being literally wet, even a foot to eighteen inches will answer every purpose.

CLASSIFICATION OF APPLES.

A great desideratum in pomological science is, a system of classification for the apple, founded on characters which are at once permanent and well defined. The Germans have been most assiduous in endeavoring to attain this object, and many systems have been suggested, of which those of Manger, Sickler, Christ, and Diel, are most generally known. But it is to Diel that the greatest merit is due, for having produced a system, which, though far from perfect, is greatly in advance of any which had hitherto been produced; and which has been universally adopted by all the German pomologists. In 1847, my friend Dochnahl, an eminent and assiduous pomologist, published a system, based upon that of Diel, of which it is a modification, and which possesses such advantages over its type, as to be more easily reduced to practise.

As the systems of Diel and Dochnahl, are certainly the best which have yet appeared, I have introduced them here, for the benefit of those who may want a groundwork on which to form an arrangement.

DIEL’S CLASSIFICATION.

CLASS I. RIBBED APPLES.

1. They are furnished with very prominent, but regular ribs round the eye, extending also over the fruit, but which do not render the shape irregular.--2. Having wide, open, and very irregular cells.

ORDER I. TRUE CALVILLES.

1. They taper from about the middle of the fruit towards the eye.--2. They are covered with bloom when on the tree.--3. They have, or acquire by keeping, an unctuous skin.--4. They are not distinctly and purely striped.--5. They have light, spongy, delicate flesh.--6. They have a strawberry or raspberry flavor.

ORDER II. SCHLOTTERÄPFEL.

1. The skin does not feel unctuous.--2. They are not covered with bloom.--3. They are either of a flat, conical, cylindrical, or tapering form.--4. They have not a balsamic, but mostly a sweetish or sourish flavor.--5. They have a granulous, loose, and coarse-grained flesh.

ORDER III. GULDERLINGE.

1. They are not balsamic like Order I., but of an aromatic flavor.--2. They have a fine flesh, almost like that of the Reinettes.--3. They are either of a conical or flat shape.--4. They are most prominently ribbed round the eye.

CLASS II. ROSENÄPFEL.--ROSE APPLES.

1. They are covered with blue bloom when on the tree.--2. They have not unproportionally large, but often only regular cells.--3. They emit a pleasant odor when briskly rubbed.--4. The skin does not feel unctuous.--5. They are handsomely and regularly ribbed round the eye, and often also over the fruit.--6. They have a tender, loose, spongy, and mostly fine-grained flesh.--7. They have a fine rose, fennel, or anise flavor.--8. They are mostly of short duration, and are often only summer, or autumn apples.--9. They are mostly striped like a tulip.

ORDER I. FRUIT TAPERING OR OBLONG.

ORDER II. FRUIT ROUND OR FLAT.

CLASS III. RAMBOURS.

1. They are all large apples, and comprise the largest sorts.--2. They have mostly, or almost always, two unequal halves, namely one side lower than the other.--3. They are constantly furnished with ribs round the eye, which are broad, rising irregularly the one above the other, and extending over the fruit, so as to render it irregular in its shape; they are also compressed and have one side higher than the other.--4. They are constantly broader than high, and only sometimes elongated.--5. They have all a loose, coarse-grained, and often very pleasant flesh.

ORDER I. WITH WIDE CELLS.

ORDER II. WITH NARROW CELLS.

CLASS IV. REINETTES.

1. They have a fine-grained, delicate, crisp, firm, or tender flesh.--2. They are mostly the ideal of a handsome shaped apple; in them the convexity or bulge of the middle of the apple, towards the eye, is the same as that towards the stalk, or not much different.--3. They are all grey dotted, or have russety patches, or completely covered with russet.--4. They have only rarely an unctuous skin.--5. They have all the rich, aromatic, sugary, and brisk flavor, which is called the Reinette flavor--6. They decay very readily, and must, of all apples, hang longest on the tree.--7. The really sweet, and at the same time aromatic apples, belong to the Reinettes, only as regards their shape, their russety character, and their fine or firm flesh.--8. Apples with fine, firm, crisp flesh, which cannot of themselves form a separate class,--for instance, the Pippins also belong to this class.

ORDER I. SELF COLORED REINETTES.

1. Having an uniform green ground color, which changes to the most beautiful golden yellow.--2. Having no lively colors or marks of russet on the side next the sun; except those that are very much exposed, and which assume a slight tinge of red.--3. Having no covering of russet, but only slight traces of russety stripes.

ORDER II. RED REINETTES.

Having all the properties of the self colored Reinettes, but of a pure red on the side next the sun, without any mixture of russet.

ORDER III. GREY REINETTES.

1. Their ground color is green, changing to dingy dull yellow.--2. The coating of russet, or the russety patches spread over the greater part of the fruit are very conspicious.--3. The side next the sun is often dull brownish, or ochreous red.

ORDER IV. GOLDEN REINETTES.

1. On the side next the sun they are washed, or striped with beautiful crimson.--2. The ground color changes by keeping to beautiful deep yellow.--3. Over the ground color, and the crimson of the exposed side, are spread light thin patches, or a complete coat of russet.

CLASS V. STREIFLINGE.--STRIPED APPLES.

1. They are all, and almost always, marked with broken stripes of red.--2. These stripes are found either over the whole fruit, or only very indistinctly on the side exposed to the sun.--3. The stripes may be distinct, that is to say, truly striped; or between these stripes on the side next the sun, the fruit is dotted, shaded, or washed with red; but on the shaded side the stripes are well defined.--4. The cells are regular.--5. They are of a purely sweet, vinous, or acid flavor.--6. They have not the same flavor as the Rosenäpfel.--7. They do not decay except when gathered before maturity, or after the period when properly ripened.--8. They form a large and somewhat considerable class among the culinary fruits.

ORDER I. FLAT STREIFLINGE.

1. They have the bulge at the same distance from the eye, as from the stalk, and are broadly flattened.--2. They are constantly half an inch broader than high.

ORDER II. TAPERING STREIFLINGE.

1. They are broader than high.--2. They diminish from the middle of the apple towards the eye, so that the superior half is conical, or pyramidal, and is not at all similiar to the inferior half.

ORDER III. OBLONG OR CYLINDRICAL STREIFLINGE.

1. The height and breath are almost equal.--2. They diminish gradually from the base to the apex.--3. Or from the middle of the fruit, they gradually diminish towards the base and apex equally.

ORDER IV. ROUND STREIFLINGE.

1. The convexity of the fruit next the base and the apex is the same.--2. The breadth does not differ from the height, except only about a quarter of an inch.--3. Laid in the hand with the eye and stalk sideways, they have the appearance of a roundish shape.

CLASS VI. TAPERING APPLES.

1. They have the cells regular.--2. They are not covered with bloom.--3. They are not striped, and are either of an uniform color, or washed with red on the side next the sun.--4. Constantly diminishing to a point towards the eye.--5. They are sweet, or vinous, approaching a pure acid.--6. They do not decay readily.

ORDER I. OBLONG, CYLINDRICAL, OR CONICAL.

Characters the same as Order III. of the Streiflinge.

ORDER II. TAPERING TO A POINT.

Characters the same as Order II. of the Streiflinge.

CLASS VII. FLAT APPLES.

1. They are constantly broader than high.--2. They are never striped.--3. They are either of an uniform color, or on the side exposed to the sun more or less washed or shaded with red.--4. They have regular cells.--5. They are not unctuous when handled.--6. They do not decay readily.--7. Flavor purely sweet or purely sour.

ORDER I. PURELY FLAT APPLES.

1. The difference is obvious to the eye.--2. The breadth is constantly half an inch more than the height.

ORDER II. ROUND-SHAPED FLAT APPLES.

1. The eye cannot easily detect a distinction between the breadth and height.--2. The breadth rarely exceeds the height by a quarter of an inch.--3. The fruit cut transversely, exhibits almost or quite two equal halves.

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DOCHNAHL’S CLASSIFICATION.