80 QUINCE CULTURE. 
according to the choice of the shipper or maker. 
Crates being seldom returned as ‘‘ empties,” they are 
about enough less in capacity than the bushel to cover 
the cost of the crate. Baskets are now returned, but 
probably will not be much longer. 
For marketing, as well as for home use, quinces should 
not be gathered until fully ripe, as they do not, like ap- 
ples, pears, and peaches, ripen up in color and flavor 
after they are picked. If gathered too early the quince is 
comparatively worthless. If the cultivator of the quince 
does not desire at once to dispose of his fruit, the later 
ripening sorts can be kept for a long time by being care- 
fully spread out in a cool chamber till the frost necessi- 
Fig. 55.—FRUIT CRATE. 
tates their removal to the cellar. With proper care 
quinces may be kept till April in common cellars. 
Of course, with retarding-house conveniences all fruits 
may be kept at will. Asa rule, it will be found that the 
best time to use or sell quinces is soon after they are 
ripe. If kept too long the demand for them, as with 
most other fruits, ceases, and they are not sought for. 
There is always a market for quinces in the large 
cities, and, if the quality is good, at paying prices; but 
often the best market will be in some of the smaller 
cities and towns. The producer will find it advanta- 
geous to look out for such markets before the fruit is ripe, 
so as to know just where to send it when ready. There 
is a class of customers who always want the best fruit, 
and are willing to pay for it. The best is found in the 
end to be the cheapest. 
