THE QUINCE 237 



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 at the present time for the common 

 quince the scientific name of Cydonia vulgaris. 



FIRST SUCCESSFUL MATINGS 



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 comparatively smooth. It is also of a more 

 attractive color. On the other hand, the pear- 

 shaped Portugal quince, although having a heavy 

 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 

 subsequent selection, to produce a quince 

 superior to either. 



Seedlings from this cross of Orange and 

 Portugal 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 



