50 QUINCE CULTURE. 
that was thirty feet high, with a trunk six feet around, 
and had branches extending over a circle seventy-five 
feet in circumference. It was thought to be the largest 
quince tree on record. I have read of a tree on a thorn 
root that produced five bushels a year. On this root 
the quince is long-lived. But [ have seen the trees 
over sixty years old on their own roots, and still bearing 
well. 
The size of a tree most desirable for transplanting 
must necessarily vary with circumstances. As a rule, 
young an‘1 thrifty trees will grow best, because they lose 
a smaller proportion of their fibrous roots. Large trees 
are more likely to be checked by transplanting, because 
of the greater loss of roots. Jf the tree to be trans- 
planted has not been cut back so as to reduce the top to 
a good proportion with the roots before being set, it 
must not be forgotten afterward,.as much depends on 
this. If there has been a great loss of roots, as is often 
the case, it is better to reduce the top very severely, 
perhaps to one or two buds of the new wood. The tree 
will be larger at the end of the season’s growth, and of 
better form. 
A suitable preparation of the ground is more conven- 
iently made before the trees are planted. No pains 
should be spared to so prepare the ground that it will 
exactly supply every want of the trees, and at once push 
them into a vigorous growth. If not well prepared 
then, no after labor can fully supply the deficiency. 
The importance of thorough work was illustrated by the 
experience of a man who had a hundred trees to set, and 
going from home for a day, left a man to plant them in 
his absence. Returning at night, he was offended with 
his help because he had only set nine of the hundred. 
So he discharged him, and next day planted the ninety- 
one remaining himself. But, to his surprise, when they 
bore, the crop from the nine was worth more than that 
