12 INTRODUCTION. 
It will be of great service to understand the prin- 
cipal laws governing the growth of plants, and the 
application of those laws to this fruit. The method 
of culture most in agreement with these laws will 
always give the greatest promise of success. As was 
said at a meeting of the Maryland Horticultural Soci- 
ety: “This fruit deserves systematic cultivation, in- 
stead of the careless system of a tree here and there in 
the corners of fences, and in wet places, untrimmed and 
choked by weeds.” 
In 1872 the editor of the ‘ Horticulturist” asked : 
«Why does not some one, of a careful turn of mind, 
forsaking the beaten path of fever for strawberries, cran- 
berries, pears, and peaches, study the characteristics of 
the quince, and learn its needs of soil and climate, and 
then follow them up by planting a good orchard ?” The 
author has done this, and here gives the results of his 
experience. 
The aim in this manual is to furnish all nee¢od infor- 
mation for the profitable cultivation of quinces in all 
places where they will grow. Let this fruit, for which 
there is no substitute, be no longer only a luxury within 
the means of the rich, but become so common and abun- 
dant that it may be enjoyed by all. It will greatly 
increase the true wealth of the nation to provide all 
classes with all the varieties of fruits in their seasons, and 
so extend the means of health and happiness. 
