The quince is probably the most neglected of the cultivated fruits in America. It is usually allowed to shift for itself. There is no reason why this should be. The fruit is well worth a place in the home garden, and in very many localities there is a good demand in the local markets.
The quince does best on a deep, rich, moist soil, but will do well on any land that will raise corn and potatoes. Liberal annual fertilization will pay well as will also clean cultivation. Usually the quince is grown in bush form, a new stem being allowed to grow from the root each year after the second or third, and an old one being removed when the bush begins to be crowded. The usual distance for planting is 10 to 12 feet.
No fruit will take the place of the quince. It makes the choicest of jelly of all our northern fruits, and, when mixed with apple and pear, forms a marmalade milder than the quince alone, and more piquant than either the apple or the pear alone. At least three quince bushes should be on every farm to supply home needs. When once established, and properly taken care of, the trees will continue to bear from the time they are three years old for at least 4o years. As the plants cost only a few cents and as cultivation is so simple, no one should be without quinces.
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