No. 151.] 141 



my process of culture, time and mode of pruning, amount annually 

 raised, cost, profit, &c. 



In reply it is but justice I should say, that the specimens forwarded 

 by me, were intended for exhibition only, not being of my own pro- 

 duction. I regret I cannot inform you from which of two quince 

 growers they were obtained, in order that due credit may be given. 



Having recently set an orchard numbering 1,085 trees or bushes, 

 of the two varieties forwarded for exhibition, (which I believe can- 

 not be surpassed, if equalled,) I will give you a statement of my 

 experience in the business of quince growing, fearing, hov^ever, that 

 its value will be less even than my experience. 



^In the spring of 1843, 1 set forty bushes of the two varieties, which 

 are known in this section of the country, as the " Great Orange and 

 Pair," both of which are not only prolific bearers, but give fruit of 

 remarkable size and flavor. 



I put them on newly plowed sward land, which, however, was a 

 matter of necessity instead of choice, as I much prefer ground well 

 rotted. These I place in a single row, eight feet distant from each 

 other, the ground being plowed on one side several rods, and on the 

 other but a few feet. 



.In the autumn following, I spread on at the rate of about fifty 

 loads of compost manure to the acre, the compost was one-third sta- 

 ble, and the balance good loam. At the proper season I planted 

 the piece with potatoes, and have continued to do so up to the 

 present time. 



I have no means of arriving at the exact expense of taking care 

 of this potato patch, but can safely say, that the crops have amply 

 paid for the seed, use of the land, and all labor expended upon it. 

 My third and last crop of potatoes was less than either of the for- 

 mer, and I think something else should be substituted, or cropping 

 abandoned altogether. You can judge something of the growth of 

 these bushes, when I inform you, that the whole forty when set, 

 could be carried by a man in his arms without inconvenience, and 

 that they have since spread so as to touch each other; although 

 placed at a distance of eight feet. 



In 1845, the second year after the setting, six trees gave about 

 half a peck of fruit, and this season the same yielded one and a 



