stened, either by cutting
circularly through the outer rind at the foot of the branch, so as to
prevent the return of the sap, or by bending the branch to a
horizontal position on an espalier, which answers the same purpose.

1621. The Second Period.

The second period, or that of Honeyfication, consists in the ripeness
and flavour which fruits of all kinds acquire if plucked a few days
before arriving at their first maturity, and preserved under a proper
degree of temperature. Apples may acquire or arrive at this second
degree of maturity upon the tree, but it too often happens that the
flavour of the fruit is thus lost, for fruit over-ripe is always found
to have parted with a portion of its flavour.

1622. The Third Stage.

The third stage, or of Expectation, as the theorist quaintly terms it,
is that which is acquired by pulpy fruits, which, though sufficiently
ripe to drop off the tree, are even then hard and sour. This is the
case with several kinds both of apples and pears, not to mention other
fruits, which always improve after keeping in the confectionery,--but
with respect to the medlar and the quince, this maturity of
expectation is absolutely necessary.

1623. The Fourth Degree.

The fourth degree of maturity, or of Coction, is completely
artificial, and is nothing more nor less than the change produced upon
fruit by the aid of culinary heat.

1624. Maturity of Vegetation.

We have already pointed out the first object necessary in the
preservation of fruit, its maturity of vegetation, and we may apply
the same principle to flowers or leaves which may be gathered for use.

1625. Flowers.

The flowers ought to be gathered a day or two before the petals are
ready to drop off spontaneously on the setting of the fruit: and the
leaves must he plucked before the season has begun to rob them of
their vegetable juices. The degree of heat necessary for the purpose
of drying must next be considered, as it differs considerably with
respect to different substances.

1626. Degrees of Heat Required.

Flowers or aromatic plants require the smallest increase of heat
beyond the temperature of the season, provided that season be genial:
something more for rinds or roots, and a greater heat for fruits; but
this heat must not be carried to excess.

[FOOLS HAVE AN ABUNDANCE OF VANITY.]

1627. Prop