THE QUINCE. 121 



try, for which it appears to be best adapted. 

 There appear to be several sub-varieties, differing 

 slightly in shape and considerably in size, but lit- 

 tle in quality. The largest sometimes weigh a 

 pound. 



The Pear or oblong quince, has slenderer leaves, 

 and smoother, more delicate and more elongated 

 fruit, of a regular pear shape. It is quite distinct 

 from the preceding, resembles it in quality, but 

 is of more delicate texture. 



The Portugal quince, though largely cultivated 

 in England, appears to be little known in this 

 country. According to Loudon, it has broad cor- 

 date leaves, and an oblong fruit, which is more 

 juicy and less harsh than the others, and therefore 

 the most desirable. It is rather a " shy bearer," 

 which must form a decided objection, as cultivators 

 already find sufficient difficulty even with the 

 most prolific varieties. 



The Japan and Chinese quinces are cultivated 

 merely as ornamental shrubs. 



A very formidable, and nearly the sole enemy 

 to the quince, is the BORER. This is the larva of 

 an insect which attacks the wood of the trunk near 

 the surface of the ground, and works inwards, usu- 

 ally upwards, but sometimes downwards, to a dis- 

 tance of several inches into the wood, during the 

 summer season. 



As the borer frequently destroys the tree, vari- 



