AN ELIZABETHAN WITNESS.
The importance of the apple—and perry pear—in English social life is persuasively emphasized by the very first of the scientific workers in this field in England—John Taverner, gentleman, who produced his famous pamphlet in 1600. It has just been reproduced (Certain Experiments concerning Fish and Fruite, Sherrat and Hughes, Manchester, 5s.). It would be interesting to know from some of the modem workers whether they endorse his special preference for "choke pears." Personally, I know just one wild tree (it has conquered the graft) which bears vast quantities of fruit every single year. Taverner's introduction should be of use to the " Eat-more-fruit " campaigners. "If the benefits arising unto the common-wealth from the abundance of fruits were well weighed and pondered, there would be lawe9 established for the increase and maintenance thereof through- out this realm." He mentions five shires "so replenished with fruite that it serveth the poorer sort not only for foode a great part of the yeare, but also for drinke the most part of the yeare." For himself he preferred perry to cider. Why is so little of it now produced ?
Previous page
