Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/115

91&#93; APR ' Ujaster, indeed, would not be so great a gainer, beeause a consider- able part of those wages which he now saves Tor seven years together, would necessaril) fall to the share of d^e apprentice. In trades easily learnt, the latter would ultimately not derive any disproportionate ad- vantages; for, as under such cir- cumstances, he must expect many competitors, his wages would con- sequently, though gradually, be reduced. All trades, crafts, and mysteries, would thus experience a reasonable check of extravagant prices ; and thus ail conspiracies, and combinations of journeymen snd masters, would be effectually prevented. APIUCOT-TREE, the Primus Armeniaca, L. is a species of the plum, or cherry-tree. Although Linn'Jeus has reduced these dif- ferent trees to one genus, which he calls Pruniis, yet we shall in this place enumerate only the van known under the name of apricot: 1. The male, or early apricot, which produces a small, round, reddish fruit; has more stone than pulp, ripens in July, and has but an indifferent flavour. As this tree blossoms early in spring, it is liable to be injured by night-frosts, against which it ought to be pro- tected, by placing contiguous to it shallow vessels filled widi Water. 2. The white apricot is oblong, flat at both ends, and of a pale co- lour: its tree is not only less influ- enced by cold, than any other sort, but also bears fruit in greater abundance. 3. The orange apricot acquires, when ripe, a deep yellow colour, is distinguished by a sweet kernel, but its fruit is more fit for preserv- ing, drying, and using it in pas- try, than for the dessert. APR [9* 4. The rjed apricot is of an oval size, its pulp likewise reddish and juicy, and the kernel sweet like a hazle-nut : the leaves of this tree* are longer than those of any other variety. 5. The large, or Turkey apricot, exceeds in si/.e and beauty all the other sorts, has a deep yellow pulp and sweet kernel, but is not pro- ductive. 6. Tire Breda apricot, a native of Africa, is one of the finest and most delicious : its fruit is large and round, externally of a deep '.-, and internally of a golden, colour. Its kernel is the. largest of the kind; and if this fruit arrive at maturity in an airy situation, it deserves an unqualified preference. /*. The Brussels apricot is of a middle size, somewhat oval; on its southern exposure red, with many dark spots, and greenish or deep yel.ow on the opposite side. Its fruit is firm, and of a delicious taste; the skin is apt to burst be- fore the fruit is mature, and it sel- dom ripens until August or Sep- tember. Some amateurs even pre- fer it to the preceding species. — Lastly : 8. The peach apricot is more spherical and larger than any other species ; while it possesses the sweetness of the apricot combined with the acidulated vinous taste of the peach. This tree, however, requires a temperate climate, and vv ill not thrive in the open air of this country. , Culture. — All the varieties of apricot-trees have originally been raised ' from their stones : they were then propagated by bud- ding or graft ng on any plum- stock. The soil most congenial to their nature, is a rich black mould; for they will not prosper in a loam)-, sandy,