Nubblet

They […] have made some progress in the smelting of iron ore, which is very rich in this country. They construct a blast of bamboos, and by means of a lever work three or four of their cane cylinders at a time; with these they blow on the iron ore, which is broken up into "nubblets," or small pieces, and put them on a hearth until the fire renders it soft, not melted.

The fragrant white apple blossoms had long since faded and dropped, revealing green nubblets patiently growing day by day in anticipation of autumn's harvest.