100 The Natural Historg 



have met with, but all these Fruits are of short continuance, 

 being soon ripe and almost as soon gone. 



The Quince-Tree thrives well, and is in plenty, and it's 

 Fruit is as well relished as in any part of the World. The 

 Fruit eaten raw, is pleasant, of which the Planters make a 

 Wine or Liquor Avhich they call Quince-drink, and is the 

 best Drink that Country affords at present, though they have 

 plenty of Cyder, and some Perry made there. They like- 

 wise draw a Spirit from this Fruit, Apples, and Peaches, 

 which is as pleasant and grateful as any Brandy I have ever 

 tasted. This Quince-drink, most commonly purges those that 

 make use of it, and cleanses the Body, which is a contrary 

 Effect to what it hath in Europe, being of an astringent Na- 

 ture there ; which contrary Effect must certainly be owing to 

 the difference of the Climates. The least slip of this Tree 

 stuck in the Ground, comes to perfection, and will bear in 

 three Years. 



The Peach, whereof there are several sorts (these Trees do 

 not differ in Shape, but in their Fruit only) viz. the Queen s, 

 the Nutmeg, the Newington, and the grand Cariiaiion Peach; 

 the Black, the White, the Roman, and the Indian Peach, and 

 many other sorts, called by different Names, according to 

 Peoples fancies, are all standing Trees like the Apple or Pear, 

 with us; for the Reader is to understand, that there is no 

 such thing as Wall-Fruit in this Province, there being Heat 

 enough, therefore do not require it. These Fruits thrive to 

 admiration, coming to Perfection without any Pains or 

 trouble, for the Ground in these parts is so natural for these 

 sorts of Fruit, that a Peach-stone being Planted, or falling 

 on the Ground, will grow and bring forth a Peach-tree that 

 will bear in three Years, or sooner. And it is to be observed, 



that 



