\'2-2 SYSTEMATIC PnMoi.OCy 



cidor-makinpT; tlu^ (juiiicc dcirs not make ^rood cidrr, anothor 

 reason for its l'ailin"r to ac(iuii-(' llic ijopiilarity of the other 

 pome-fruits. The fruit deserves, liowevei-, iiiiirh more attention 

 than is priven it in (h)niostic eeononiy, for it is second to no other 

 for marniahides, jellies, and conserves of all kinds, and is much 

 used for flavoring: preparations of apples and i)ears. There 

 are but few varieties and there seems to be little or no interest 

 in increasing: the number, although the quince offers prreat pos- 

 sibilities in hybridization within the species and with the Jai)a- 

 nese quince, while interesting hybrids between the (juince and 

 the pear are recorded. Quince stocks are much used whereon 

 to grraft the pear, to dwarf the tree and increase the size of 

 the fruit and hasten its bearing. 



There are not more than thirty or forty varieties of quinces 

 and no attempt seems to have been made to classify them. 

 Indeed, the fruits of the few varieties are so similar in season, 

 form, color, and quality that it would be almost impossible to 

 make a serviceable classification. A crude attempt is sometimes 

 made by nurserymen who list quinces as *' apple-shaped," * 'pear- 

 shaped," and "orange-shaped." 



The Japanese Quinces 



178. Japanese quince described.— Four species of Ch^nomeles 

 are grown for their handsome flowers, and one, C. lagen-aria, is 

 of some value for its fruit and offers a good field for the plant- 

 breeder. Through hybridization and selection, it is possible that 

 other species of the genus might be made to yield fruits of value. 



Chcenomclcs lagcnaria, Koid. Shrub 3-6 feet high, with spreading spiny 

 branches. Leaves sub-persistent or deciduous, alternate, oblong-ovate, 

 glossy above, papery, 1 1/1.-3 inches long. Flowers in clusters of 2-6, red or 

 reddish, 11/1-2 inches across; calyx-lobes entire or serrate; petals 5; stamens 

 numerous; styles 5, united at the base. Fruit o-celled, each cell with many 

 seeds; globular or ovoid; yellowish-green, stem lacking. 



There are many ornamental forms, most of which bear quinces 

 esteemed for jellies, conserves, and other culinary purposes. 

 The dark green fruits are very hard, but contain a rich, 

 aromatic, lemon-like juice which makes a jelly of very pleasing 

 flavor. The fruits are further characterized by a strong dis- 



