THE QtJINOE. 125 



if not identical with, the fiie-bliglit of the Pear, it should not be 

 supplied with fresh and stimulatiag manures. Barnyard manure 

 that has heen composted with salt, at the rate of haK a hushel 

 of salt to every wagon-load of manure, and become thoroughly 

 decomposed, makes an excellent fertilizer for the Quince, con- 

 ducing much to the health and fruitfulness of the tree, and size 

 and flavor- of the fruit. 



The Quince may be planted ten feet apart each way. The 

 pruning consists in thinning out the over-crowded branches, so 

 as to give free cfrculation of air and Ught, and in cutting back 

 the twigs that have borne fruit, to a good, strong bud, so as to 

 produce new fruit spurs. It is best propagated by layering in 

 this climate, though it can be grown from cuttings of the new 

 growth taken off about a foot long and planted ten inches deep. 

 The month of September is the best time for doing this, and 

 where there is danger of the cuttings being thrown out by the 

 frost, they should be covered with straw, leaves, or evergreen 

 branches on the approach of winter. 



Okangb Quince. — This is the best variety for general culti- 

 vation. The fruit is large, with a smooth, rich golden yellow 

 skin ; ripening about the end of October. When well grown it 

 commands a ready sale in all our city markets. It needs to be 

 gathered and handled carefully ; the least rough usage mars its 

 beauty, and even slight bruises leave very unsightly discolorations. 



Portugal Quince. — ^This is such a shy bearer that it is only 

 vexatious to plant it, though the fruit is excellent, being of milder 

 flavor and more beautiful color when cooked than any other. 



Eba's Seedling. — Reds Mammoth. — This is somewhat 

 larger than the Orange Quince, though after some years' trial it 

 does not continue to be as much larger as it at first promised. 

 In all other respects, color, form and cooking qualities, it does 

 not vary materially from the Orange. It is thrifty, healthy, and 

 tolerably productive. 



Angibr. — The fruit of this variety proves to be more valuable 

 than had been supposed. It is used as a stock, on account of its 



