1904.] PUBLK* DOCUMENT — No. 88. 171 



latter figure), lu^t. The No. 2 fruit brought various prices, 

 averaging about $1.25. 



In both years the i)rofit from the trees was considiu'ed 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 s})ecimens 

 being i)ut into the first grade. Next, each specimen was 

 carefully wrapped in clean fruit paper, specially cut for the 

 purpose. These fruits were 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 })ackage, 

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

 keting fancy quinces, 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 ever}^ s[)ecimen 

 bruised ; but the wrapping and the small i)ackage 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 

 ({uinces at a time ; even market uien with a very fair trade 

 prefer to buy in bushel lots. 



The character of the soil on Avhich the college (juince trees 

 grow has been mentioned. Wet clay land is frequently 

 recommended for (juinces, but the trees do better on well- 

 drained soil. Even fairly light loam Avill sometimes support 

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

 ately heav}^ 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. 



