Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/334

312] in a fresh state, at an advanced season.

Among the, the German Pear-quince, and that of Portugal, are the two principal varieties: they are of similar shape, and differ only in this circumstance, that the former, when boiled, remains entire; while the latter, being more tender, is dissolved into a pulp.

There are thirteen species of the ; of which only one is indigenous (see p. 187): but among all the foreign sorts, Mr. recommends the Dutch Garden Medlar, as the only and most eligible one for espaliers.

.

In the enumeration of the following excellent varieties, we have adopted the botanical characters given by, both on account of their precision, and the appropriate nomenclature, which Mr. has omitted in his Essay.

1. The Zellar, or Pound-Nut (Avellana fructu rotundo maximo), which bears large round nuts flatly compressed on the top; the shell is brown, streaked with white, and spontaneously opens on the point.

2. The Common Lambert, or Almond-Nut (Corylus sativa), with a long, thin, pointed, sweet kernel; the shell of which is completely inclosed in the flower-cup.

3. The Large Lambert, or Blood-Nut (Corylus sativa fructu oblongo rubente maximo): the green cover inclosing the young nut is nearly cylindrical, and somewhat edged at the top. While in an unripe state, it is of a reddish cast, and rather downy on the upper part: in some, the kernel has a dark-red; in others, a white skin: they are of a peculiar, sweet, and agreeable taste; and ripen about the middle of August.

4. The Spanish Hazel-Nut (Corylus Hispanica), which attains the uncommon size of two inches in length, and one in thickness: its thin shell is angular towards the head; always remains white; and is half covered by the flower-cup. It ripens at a later season; and the kernel is less sweet than that of the preceding sort.

5. The Hazel Nut-Tree (Corylus arborescens) attains a high, thick stem; and forms a crown at the top: the nuts are disposed in large clusters; they have a nearly globular form, being smoothly compressed above, and somewhat pointed below.

On the most advantageous method of employing the space between the Espaliers, and the Wall or Railment.

The borders of espaliers require a breadth of $2 1⁄2$ or 3 feet from the dwarf-trees or shrubs: such soil will, however, not admit of vegetables striking deep roots, or of bushy plants, which rise to a considerable height; as the former would withdraw the nourishment from the roots of fruit-trees; while the latter might obstruct their growth, by intercepting the air, and solar rays. Nevertheless, a variety of useful herbs may be reared on these borders, with a view to supply the dessert, throughout the summer and autumn, with delicious fruit. For this purpose, the  claim the first rank; because they may be cultivated on the four different sides:—those exposed to the south will be the earliest; then will follow those growing along the eastern wall; what