42 Fruits and Fruit-Trees. 



in the matter, it must be remembered that the choice has 

 still to be regulated, in great measure, by the soil and 

 climate of the locality, and by the aspect, many of the 

 varieties being sensitive in regard to one or other of 

 these. Where the soil is clayey, wet, and cold, it is hope- 

 less, at any time, to expect pears of first-rate quality. To 

 know which to pick, when in want of just one or two for 

 private pleasure, watch the movements of those excellent 

 judges, the wasps. 



THE QUINCE (Cydonia vulgaris)* 



THE Quince, like the apple and pear, is a fruit of very 

 ancient fame, as sure to be the case with one so attrac- 

 tive to the eye massive and golden, and that could not 

 fail to be observed in the very earliest historical times, 

 this because of its birthplace. The original seat, there is 

 no reason to doubt, was the North of Persia, where it 

 still grows spontaneously in the woods, extending to 

 the shores of the Caspian, the region to the south of the 

 Caucasus, and to Anatolia. That it moved westwards at 



* Hooker and Bentham, whose unflinching disposition to consoli- 

 date is well known to botanists, include Cydonia in the genus Pyrus, 

 under which comprehensive name they also place Mespilus and 

 Sorbus. (Genera Plantarum, i. 626, 1862.) While quite prepared 

 to accept their judgment, I think it better, in the present volume, 

 to employ the names under which the trees are generally known 

 and spoken of. 



