SOILS FOR THE QUINCE. 35 
may be used for the quince. ‘This is especially true all 
along the sea-coast of the New England and the Middle 
States. 
In many sections of the country, soils of all these 
varieties will be found along the rivers. There will be, 
first, the alluvial of the river basin in a strip along the 
river bank, varying in width, and overflowed every year 
by freshets, which leave it more or less enriched by silt. 
Then, secondly, there will be the belt of sandy soil, 
usually a rich loam, suited for almost every kind of crop. 
Back of this, and rising on the hill-side, is the more 
sandy and gravelly land, of variable quality, and more 
affected by droughts. The middle belt is preferable for 
the quince, as, indeed, it is for most other crops. But 
on them all the quince will succeed by skilful manage- 
ment. 
The quality of the fruit on a wet soil is much more 
woody and astringent than on a rich and well-drained soil. 
A wet soil is always inimical to successful fruit culture. 
If for any cause it is desired to plant trees where a wet 
and heavy soil cannot be properly drained, the ground 
should be raised enough for the surplus water to pass off ; 
though it is doubtful whether any amount of drainage 
can make a spot so situated profitable for this purpose. 
Excessive moisture is as bad as want of water. 
A soil that is too dry will retain needed moisture in 
the heat of summer by being well cultivated. A hard 
and shallow soil, by being worked deep, and thoroughly 
mellowed, will resist drought successfully. Butif the sub- 
soil be clayey we must not deepen so as to make the soil 
hold water like a basin. In deepening a clay soil very 
much we may necessitate drainage. Water-soaked roots 
are no better for the health of the tree than wet feet are 
for the health of man, 
