28 QUINCE CULTURE. 
tion of the venerable Charles Downing, who wrote 
that he judged, from the description, it was a new va- 
riety, in which opinion he was fully confirmed by a 
subsequent examination of the fruit. He expressed his 
belief not only that it was ‘‘an acquisition to the quince 
Fig. 9.--MEECH’S PROLIFIC. 
family,” but ‘‘ worthy of general cultivation.” So far as 
tested, it has justified his good opinion. 
The trees of this variety are exceedingly vigorous, 
fully equaling, if not exceeding, the Angers. The trunk 
is smooth, and entirely free from the excrescences of some 
other kinds. The bark of the young twigs is darker than 
