80 QUIKCE 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. As a 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 lookout 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. 



