THE HAWTHORNDEN APPLE.

This Apple received its name from the romantic spot called Hawthornden, in the county of Mid-Lothian, formerly the residence of the celebrated Scottish poet and historian DRUMMOND, where it is supposed to have been raised; and it is extensively cultivated and highly esteemed in most parts of Scotland. In the more southern parts of the Empire, the merit of the variety is chiefly confined to early and prolific habit, for its fruit can only be recommended for culinary use, having a very delicate melting flesh, but possessing little of either saccharine or acid, to render it rich or of high flavour. The market gardener may, however, find good account in the culture of this variety in the neighbourhood of London; for its conspicuous and even beautiful appearance is quite sufficient to ensure it a rapid sale in Covent Garden Market; and its qualities are equal to most of the early varieties which are there met with; while its produce, greatly exceeding that of any other kind, will enable the grower to sell below the average price. It has also the great merit of bearing even in the worst seasons, and at a very early age; insomuch that trees of three years' grafting have been literally bowed down with the weight of fruit.

The trees are remarkably healthy and vigorous. Blossoms large and beautiful; the outside of the petals fine crimson, very glossy. Leaves of moderate size. Fruit large, generally of a flat ovate form, somewhat angulated; measuring three inches transversely at the centre, or towards the stalk where it is usually widest, and 21⁄2 inches in its longitudinal diameter. The eye is of an irregular form, in some specimens deeply sunk, while in others it is inserted on the summit; the persistent leaves of the calyx rather large, surrounded by some broad projecting folds; the stalk is about an inch in length, inserted in a broad cavity. The skin is of a most delicate and pale green hue while on the tree, covered with a slight glaucous bloom; but, when detached and fully ripe, becoming of a yellowish white, and much resembling the superior waxen imitations of fruit seen in the shops of our jewellers: a tinge of beautiful pale red is usually on the side next the sun, which sometimes increases to a brilliant colour as the fruit ripens. The appearance of a dwarf standard tree, when loaded with its fruit, may be described as particularly beautiful.

The specimen from which the drawing was made, was communicated by EDWARD HAWTHORN, Esq of Marsh Gate, Richmond, Surry.