THE PLUM i6i 



Mr. Luther Burbank, of California, has introduced several hybrids, but at 

 the time of writing we hesitate to recommend them, as the severe frost of 

 February 1902 (32 degs.) has killed or crippled the young stock, and they may 

 not prove hardy in Britain. 



Plum, The Date (see p. 208). 

 Pomegranate, The (see p. 212). 



THE QUINCE 



This late autumn fruit is much appreciated for cooking and for preserving. 

 The quince is a moisture-loving tree, and is at home by the side of ponds, in 

 damp corners in gardens, &c. ; its beauty at flowering time is also remarkable. 

 The culture of the quince is simple : merely thin out the shoots freely, prune 

 back the long side growths to six buds, so as to make them bear fruits the 

 whole length of the main branches. When the fruits are formed, liquid 

 manure should be given to the trees ; the fruits will be greatly improved as a 

 result. There are but three quinces usually grown : — 



The Apple-Shaped. — The tree bears well, is more twiggfy than the others, and the 

 fruit is rounder and ripens early. 



The Pear-Shaped. — This variety is the best for general culture. The tree bears 

 well, and the fruit is of fine flavour. 



The Portugal. — Fruit uneven and rugged, nearly covered with down, excellent, 

 but does not ripen in cool seasons. The tree bears freely if well cultivated. 



Several varieties of quinces are grown in America and on the Continent, 

 but they do not differ materially from the above. 



