ON THE QUINCE 
varieties derived from the common species which 
the Romans called Mala Cydonia, or Cydonian 
apple, because an improved variety came to them 
from Cydon, in Crete. From this old Roman name 
we have for the common quince the scientific name 
of the present time, Cydonia vulgaris. 
First SuccessFuL MatiINnGs 
One of my earliest experiments was to cross 
the Orange quince with the Portugal quince. 
The Orange type is generally much more pro- 
ductive than the Portugal, and the fruit is larger 
and more pleasing in form, being nearly round 
and quite smooth. It is also of a more attractive 
color. On the other hand, the pear-shaped Portu- 
gal quince, although having an objectionable rusty 
coat, is of a better quality, having a very pleasing 
flavor when cooked. 
It seemed certain that from the combination of 
these two varieties it might be possible, by subse- 
quent selection, to produce a quince superior to 
either. 
Seedlings from this cross of Orange and Portu- 
gal quinces were raised extensively for several 
years. 
Large trees upon which to graft and test them 
all not being available, the selected ones were set 
out on the Sebastopol place rather closely, in rows 
about 4% feet apart. Although a thorough test 
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