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, unt rimmed 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 needed 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. 



