Of all the places which I have ever seen, where perfect attention was given to the fruit, I was most struck with Woollaton, in the time of the late Lord Middleton: the grapes were always gathered with a portion of the stalk and leaves; and the bloom of the plums, and other fruit, was preserved from the touch of fingers, by being cut from the trees, and dropped into the baskets in which they were brought to table. The gooseberries and currants, as well as the grapes, were so trained, as to admit branches, loaded with fruit and leaves, to be cut off, and fastened to stands, with iron or wooden hoops, or led in graceful festoons round the dessert, and intermixed with bouquets of sweet-smelling flowers. This may truly be called enjoying the luxury of a garden.
