50 QTIIKCE 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 I 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 and 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. If 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. Keturning 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 



