The Quince (Cydonia vulgaris), although often met with as an ornamental tree, is little grown as a fruit crop, a few specimens being found here and there in the older market gardens. The trees come into flower at the end of April and early in May, and are pale pink to whitish in colour (fig. 360), being followed in autumn by large highly-scented fruits of a somewhat astringent flavour, valued by some for making preserves, for flavouring, etc. As a stock for Pears the Quince is very valuable, and is. raised in large numbers for this purpose from layers, cuttings, and seeds. When grown for its fruit the Quince should be planted in a warm sandy loam, about 15 ft. apart. Little pruning will be necessary, and from 2 to 4 bus. of fruit may be regarded as a fair average crop. The best kinds are the Apple-shaped, with golden-yellow fruits, roundish; the Pear-shaped, the best known, with pear-shaped fruits of a greenish yellow; and the Portugal Quince, with larger fruits than the others, but not so free in cropping. The fruits should be allowed to remain on the trees as long as possible - into November - and care should be taken in gathering as they bruise easily.

Pear shaped Quince in flower.

Fig. 360. - Pear-shaped Quince in flower.