Page:Scotish Descriptive Poems - Leyden (1803).djvu/131

$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$The wholesome everans^[1], which by proof we know
Exceeds in sweetness most of fruits that grow,
'Mongst woodrip^[2] rising, beautifies the show.
The best of liquorice other soils produce,
Is far inferior to the knapperts'^[3] juice.
Dug from the ground, washed in the bubbling spring,
Dryed in the sun, in baskets home they bring;
In wooden cans, within the shady bower,
Upon the roots they crystal water pour;
Which drunk next day is exquisitely good,
Both fit for health, and to digest the food^[4].———
Whilst all the spring and summer, after rain
The birchen wood perfumes the little plain.
So sweet, so pleasant is the fragrant smell,
That few Arabian scents can this excel^[5].———
Here you shall view the garden trees below,
With all the various fruits that on them grow.
Vast choice of apples, pears and plums you'll see,
Bending the branches of each fruitful tree:
The golden pippin, for preserving famed,
Above all other apples can be named,
Claims the first place, since both in taste and smell,
Its flavorous relish does the rest excel.
Next it, the oslin, for a savoury taste
Is much esteemed, and thought by some the best:
The large and ruddy apples, which alone
With their own weight make spreading branches groan;

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1. Everans is a berry that grows upon the tops of hills, and resembles a mulberry, but of a yellowish colour when ripe.
2. Woodrip is a kind of wild lavander, but has a much finer smell.
3. Knapperts is a root that tastes like liquorice, but is much sweeter.
4. The Don; a Poem, p.18.
5. Ibid p. 23.