232 THE GARDENER. [May 



but we have not tried tlie Quince for tlie Pear, nor — altliough we do 

 not pretend to decide conclusively in the matter — would we like to 

 plant extensively on it for general purposes under any circumstances, 

 except in the orchard-house. I have seen it tried at different times 

 and places, but in no case has the result ever been such as would en- 

 courage any one to use it in preference to the Pear, considering what can 

 be accomplished with the latter under j udicious cultivation. Some varie- 

 ties will succeed on the Quince for a while ; but it is an acknowledged 

 fact, that others will refuse to live on it, and that in a general way 

 they are shortlived. The trees are also sniall, and the fruit limited 

 in quantity, disadvantages which the slight superiority which it 

 possesses in flavour does not compensate. It is true that Mr Robert 

 Thompson speaks of trees which have flourished on the Quince stock 

 for forty years — but this seems to have been an exceptional case, for 

 he is cautious in recommending it, unless for special situations — while 

 Dr Lindley discusses the subject only in a purely theoretical way. 

 When in the west of Scotland, about two years ago, I called upon a 

 gardener who had been led to plant a number of Pears worked on the 

 Quince some years before, in the sanguine anticipation of being able 

 to counteract the disadvantages of a dropping climate ; but the experi- 

 ment had resulted in disappointment. Although the trees had the 

 advantage of a ^all and had every attention, they were not in a 

 flourishing condition. Some of them seemed as if they were not long 

 for this world ; and even the healthiest looked as if getting to the top 

 of the wall was a feat never contemplated in their ambition. There 

 has, I think, been ample time to test the merits of the Quince stock ; 

 but I question if any favourable examples of its adaptability for general 

 purposes could be found. Mr Powel of Frogmore, whose practical ex- 

 perience in fruit-tree culture entitles him to speak on the subject, says : 

 " As far as my experience goes in this matter, I think the Pear worked 

 on the Quince only fit for a very small garden, or for orchard-houses ; 

 and it is evident only particular kinds will grow on the Quince 

 for any length of time : others will scarcely exist, are unfit to bear fruit 

 either in quantity or quality, and perish in the end. And if a uniform 

 growth, fine fruit, and long-lived trees be sought for, it is better to use 

 the Pear stock ; and by judicious root-pruning, miniature trees in a 

 productive state may be obtained equally as well as on the Quince 

 stock ; and for general purposes the Pear is to be preferred." Seeing, 

 therefore, that the advantages of the Quince are, to say the least, 

 doubtful, and considering that equally satisfactory and more lasting 

 results can be obtained by using the Pear, and the mortification of see- 

 ing your trees drop off one by one, just when they are "come of age," 

 avoided, would it be advisable to recommend it 1 



