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 



