CHAPTER III. 



THE QUINCE. 



Tie Quince, a small, irregularly growing tree of about 

 en or tv». 'jlve feet high, bears one of the best fruits for pre- 

 serves and jellies, and for giving additional flavor to apple 

 tarts. It is unfit for ea'ing in a raw state. The young tiees 

 are extensively used as stocks for the propagation of dwart 

 pear trees. 



The quince is usually propagated by laj^ers and by cut- 

 tings. When by cuttings, they are to be taken from the 

 tree in the spring, and buried in an upright position, in a 

 light, deep soil, and m a moist shaded place, not less than 

 ten inches or a foot deep, and leaving but a small portion 

 above ground. If the shaded place cannot be had, spread 

 over the surface of the ground, after they are planted, a 

 coat of moss, or partially decayed leaves. If the weather 

 becomes very dry, waier them. 



To propagate by layers, the young shoots are to be laid 

 down in the spring, and buried so as to leave only two or 

 three buds at the extremity above ground. When these 

 buds have well started, the best only should be left for 

 growing. A part of them will throw out roots by autumn, 

 and may be removed from the parent tree and set out in 

 rows ; the rest should remain a second year till rooted. If 

 the ground is rich, and they are kept well cultivated and 

 straightened by stakes, the cuttings and layers will produce 

 trees fit for removal as standards in two or three years. 



'I' ht soil for the qiimce sho'Ad be deep and rich, such as 

 will raise good corn and potatoes, and should be kept well 

 cultivated. A rather moist soil has been preferred by many, 

 but it is by no means essential,* deep and enriching culti- 

 vation being of incalculably more importance. In connex- 



* The hardiness of the quince enahlinq- il to endure wetter soils, than otlier trees, 

 has led 10 this opinion ; but belter quinois have never been raised than on highly 

 «nrieh«d and well cultivatsd dry upland 



