ITS VARIETIES. 511 



1. APPLE-SHAPED QUINCE. Thomp. 



Orange Quince, 



Cydonia v. Maliformis, Hort. Brit. 



Coignassier Maliforme, 0/*fAe French 



This is the most popular variety in this country. It bears 

 large roundish fruit, shaped much like the apple, which stews 

 quite tender, and is of very excellent flavour. It also bears 

 most abundant crops. Leaves oval. 



There are several inferiour varieties of the apple quince. The 

 true one bears fruit of the size of the largest apple, fair and 

 smooth, and a fine golden colour. 



2. PEAR-SHAPED QUINCE. Thomp. 



Oblong Quince. 



Coignassier pyriforme, of the French. 



Cydonier sub. v. pyriform, Hort. Brit. 



The pear-shaped quince is dryer and of firmer texture than 

 the foregoing. It is rather tough when stewed or cooked, the 

 flesh is less lively in colour, and it is therefore much less esteem- 

 ed than the apple-shaped variety. The fruit is of medium size, 

 oblong, tapering to the stalk, and shaped much like a pear. 

 The skin is yellow. The leaves are oblong-ovate. It ripens 

 about a fortnight later, and may be preserved in a raw state 

 considerably longer. 



3. PORTUGAL QUINCE. Thomp. 



Cydonia Lusitanica. Hort. Brit. 

 Coignassier de Portugal, of the French. 



The Portugal quince is rather superior to all others in quality, 

 as it is less harsh, stews much better, and is altogether of milder 

 flavour, though not fit for eating raw. For marmalade and baking 

 it is much esteemed, as its flesh turns a fine purple or deep 

 crimson when cooked. 



The leaf of the Portugal Quince is larger and broader than 

 that of the common quince, and the growth of the tree is 

 stronger. It is therefore preferred by many gardeners for 

 stocks on which to work the pear. 



The fruit is of the largest size, oblong. The skin is in colour 

 not so deep an orange as that of the other sorts. 



The Portugal Quince is unfortunately a shy bearer, which 

 is the reason why it has never been so generally cultivated as 

 the Apple Quince. 



