CHAPTER xv. 



THE QUINCE AND DWARF PEAR. 



They aren't bis trees, but there's a lot of them to the acre. 



Quince culture, except in a small way, is not very 

 popular. A few commercial orchards are to be found, 

 here and there, and the fruit brings fair prices when- 

 ever the supply is not overlarge. As the fruit 'is 

 practically uneatable in a raw state, it is in demand 

 only for canning, for marmalade, etc., and for flavor- 

 ing preserves, etc. There is no more beautiful sight 

 than a quince tree in blossom. Every family should 

 have at least a few of the trees. 



PROPAGATION. Any one of several methods may 

 be used : Budding, with quince seedlings for stock ; 

 grafting, on apple roots; layering; and making cut- 

 tings of ripened wood for planting (in nursery rows) 

 like currant or grape cuttings. Cuttings should be 

 taken in the fall, in about ten-inch lengths, tied in 

 bundles, and stored away like scions until spring. Or 

 they may be planted in the fall, and protected with 

 mulch. I do not recommend layering. 



Cui/ruRAi, HINTS. Quinces do best on a moist 

 (but well underdrained) clay-loam. However, they 

 will grow fairly well on almost any soil which is not 

 too wet. Thorough tillage is desirable. But remem- 

 ber that these trees are shallow rooted ; do not plow 

 too deep. Winter cover crops of some kind are 

 essential ; they help to keep the roots from frost 

 (ill) 



