THE QUINCE. 



223 



little tree, we have only, in tiie first place, to rear a 

 straight and stout trunk about two or three feet high. 



If the plants be weak or crooked when planted, they 

 should be cut low down to obtain a stout and straight 

 stem. The young shoot should be kept tied up to a stake 

 to prevent it from straggling. 



The second year, if the growth has been vigorous, and 

 low trees are desired, the head may be commenced. But 

 if a stem three or four feet high be desired, it should be 

 at least one inch in diameter, and another year's growth 

 may be necessary. 



The head is formed in the same manner as described for 

 standard and dwarf apples and pears. It should be 

 round, symmetrical, and open, and well furnished on all 

 parts with bearing wood. 



The bearing branches or spurs of the quince are small 

 twiggy shoots {B^ fig. 

 Ill), produced on wood 

 at least two years old. 

 These bear two, three, 

 or more fruit buds. 

 These produce shoots 

 two or three inches 

 long ((7, fig. Ill), on 

 the point of which the 

 fruit is borne singly. 

 These spurs have al- 

 ways wood buds as well 

 as fruit buds, and there- 

 fore they should be 

 shortened back as to 

 A^ fig. Ill, the spring Fig. in. 



P, , 1 1 _ 1 B, fruit branch of the quince. C, the shoot pro- 



after they have borne, ,^^;, ,^^^ ,,^ ,^^,, Z. a, point at which it 



in order to produce new should be cut back after bearing. 



spurs at the same point. 



