1904.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 33. 171 



lattor figurci), not. The No. 2 fruit brought various prices, 

 averaging- about $1.25. 



In both years the profit from the trees was considered very 

 satisfactory. The good prices secured were attributed largely 

 to the method of marketing the fruit. In the first place, it 

 was well ripened ; the fruit was allowed to remain on the 

 trees until it had attained a bright, rich color. In the sec- 

 ond place, it was very rigidly graded, only prime specimens 

 being put into the first grade. Next, each specimen was 

 carefully wrapped in clean fruit paper, specially cut for the 

 purpose. These fruits Avere then packed in fresh, clean, 

 attractive bushel boxes. A few were sold, some wrapped 

 and some unwrapped, in 16-quart peach baskets, but the 

 box was thought to be much the better package. 



The use of the bushel box, or some similar small package, 

 and the wrapping, are thought to be essential points in mar- 

 keting fancy (juinces, except when the fruit is delivered 

 direct to the consumer. Quinces bruise very easily, and 

 even the slightest bruise on a ripe quince quickly becomes 

 discolored, and the fruit presents a highly unattractive 

 appearance. Quinces packed in barrels and shipped some 

 distance to market come out with nearly every specmien 

 bruised ; but the wrapping and the small package both pre- 

 vent such injury. 



The small package is desirable on another account, namely, 

 because very few customers care for more than a bushel of 

 quinces at a time ; even market men with a very fair trade 

 prefer to buy in bushel lots. 



The character of the soil on which the college quince trees 

 grow has been mentioned. Wet clay land is frequently 

 recommended for quinces, but the trees do better on well- 

 drained soil. Even fairly light loam will sometimes support 

 thrifty trees for some years, though the ideal soil is moder- 

 ately heavy clay. Light and sandy soils give small prospect 

 of success. 



The quince tree grows slowly, and does not require rigor- 

 ous pruning. If only reasonable and seasonable attention is 

 given to keep the head open and well balanced, nature will 

 do the rest. 



