ALBERT R. MANN LIBRARY AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY Cornell university Library SB 379.Q7T82 A study of the quince. i\ Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924003390626 A STUDY OF THE QUINCE. Minor Thesis Presented to The Department of Horticulture for The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Charles J.Triggerson Ithaca, N.Y. June I9I0. c.T- SB CONTENTB. Introduction History Botany Industry Soils Propogation Planting & Pruning Culti\^ation Plarvesting Sc Marketing Varieties A. Classification B.De; cription C. Economic Tests Showing the Relative Commercial Values of of the Varieties Yields & Incone per Acre Pests A. Fungi B. Insects Spraying Conclusions Bibliography A STUDY 0.F THE QUINCE. This thesis is an outgrowth of a study of the quince both from the hi.storical and practical standpoint. The d-'ta bearing on its culture, methods of harvesting, varieties, and comnercial value, also the enemies ajid their control T/as obtained from field studies of several plantations in western New York, Hence it is largely an intensive study of the status of the quince Indus try of that section, and it is hoped that the information will be of practical value to those interested in tihis rather neglected, but none the lesp important fruit. HISTORICAL. The once renovmed quince known as "The Golden Apple of Greece", and so highly prized by the ancients has gradually become less known and more neglected than any other member of the pomal family. This may be due to the fact that other and more pleasing fruits have superseded it, or rather tliat the severe losses caused by its relentless enemies have led growers to abandon it. None of our cor;r:ercial fruits have a more rem.arkable history than the quince, By many authorities it is considered the "Golden Apple of Greece", that caused the dispute between Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena. It certainly was prized by the Greeks into whose fetes it entered both for decorative purpoyes and table tise.According to 2. Professor Terrine De Laoouperie( I ) it was introduced into Crreece from Media about 700 B.C., while reference is made to it in Chinese literature as early as 600 B.C. Pliny tells us that it was highly prized by the Latins both for edible and medicinal purposes. Since no name for the quince is found in Sanskrit it is assumed that ti;e fruit was unknovm to tlie er.rly Aryans. In Poland and Albania the names applied to it Y/ere not imported, but belong to the native language og the people; hence doubtless it was Known ages ago as a fruit that had long since been established in these countries.lt grows v/ild in the north of Persia, t];e region south of the Caucasus, the Crimea, along the banks of the Danube, in central China, Japan, and about Mount Taurus. De Candolle considers it possible that the quince \rras naturalized in eastern Europe long before the Trojan war, and has since been little modified by cultivation. The common quince ( Cydonia vulgaris Pers.)was introduced into England by the Romans dxiring their occupation of that island, and in the middle ages was popular both there and on the continent for the manufact- ure of a preserve called cotignac.lt doubtless found its way into this country along v,-ith other fruits brought III (I) Gardner's Chronicle Vol.-^ jggg ^.oy^^ 3. over "by the early settlers* Several of our conmon varieties as vie shall see later originated in Anerica. The Chinese quince ( Cydonia sinensis Thouin) vjas imported into England in I8I8,and probably soon after that date found its way into this country.lt v^as fruited in T/eschester county New York as early as I854.Cydonia Japonica Pers, the Japenese variety, was brought to England by Sir John BariKs in 1796, but did not appear in America until a much later date. BOTANY. The quince is a meniber of the tribe Resales, family Eosaceae, subfamily Poraaceae.lt i. a snail tree or shrub, Ivs. pet iolated, dec idious, sen-ate or entire ;f Is. white or red, solitary or in rmall clusters, rat her large, petals five in number, >:tamens nume reus ;fr, aromatic, five celled pome, each cell cont^ ining many seeds. In Asia, in tiie region from Turkestan to Japan, there are four species naiiiely 0. sinenses, C. Japonica, G.maulei, and 0, vulgaris. From the latter are derived all the coriiiercial varieties found in v.restern New YorK. C. vulgaris Pres,(Pyrus cydonia Linn.) shrub or small tree, slender spineless branches ;lvs, oval, oblong or ro\mded, slightly cordate, entire, villous-pube scent beneath, 3 - 4 in. in length;fls.i^liite or lip:ht pinlc,2 in, across; 4. fr. large, yellow, villous, pyrlform to globtilar. Varieties Lusitanica Mill. a more vigorous grower , larger fruit, pyriform ribbed; Mai eformis apple-ahaped;Pyrifomiis pear- shaped. C.sinensis,Thouin,(P7rus oathayensis Hernsl.) shrub or tree ;lvs.eliptic-ovate, acute at both ends, finely serrate, villous beneath v/hen young, 2 - S in. long ;f Is. light pink, about I l/s in. across ;fr.darK. yellow^ oblong. CJaponica Pres.(Pyrus Japonica Thunbg.Choenom- eles Japonioa Lindl.)a shrub 3-6 feet in height, spiney branches ;1 vs. ovate to oblong, acute, serrate, glabrous above, I l/s - 3 ins. long ;f Is. in clusters, 2 - 6 in.nu!T;iber,red, I l/S - 2 inr;.across;fr. globular or ovid,yello?jish green. C.Maulei Nichols. (Pyrus r.aulei Mast.Ghoenomeles alpinaKochne ) a low shrub, spiney branches ;lvs, roundish, oval to obo vat e, obtuse or acute, coarsely serrate, glabrous, 1-2 in.long;fls.bri.^'-jit orange, scarlet, I - I l/2 in. across ;fr. yellow, nearly globular. THE INDUSTRY. As an industry quince growing has been more extensive in New York State than in any part of tlie Union, the plantations ranging from half an acre to ten acres in size. Though owing to weak prir^es,and the serious attacks 5. Of its enemies, it suffered a depression for a time, latterly rene\.:ed interest has been ■■Lhown,and nany plots have lieeii set out. Until more attention is paid to the q.uality of the fruit, better means of iiiarlceting adopted, and the public more v/idely educated to its remarkalDle value, the demand v;-ill "be limited, and quince growing will not be as important as our other orchard industries, However, owing to tlie comparative ease v/ith which cultural methods can be practised, and the crop harvested, also considering the regular "noaring habitr of 11. t tree; ,ancl the lasting quality of the fruit, the crop has "n.ich in its fr.vor. Further, as we shall see later in this discussion, the average income per acre obtained from a v;ell-cared-for plantation compares very favorably -'/ith that received from other fruits, and hence renders it a valuable invest- ment for the practical gro-er. SOILS. The quince lilce some other fiuits has its decilel preference for soils. While some varieties do ^vell on li:;;hter soils, and others bear liberally when grown on heavy clay, in general it is never so productive as when grown on tiie heavier loams. From what could be obtained from observation, and conversation with the various growers, it is evident th^t the quince thrives better, and produces 6. better crops v;hen grown in t^e heavier loams of coii:iposite character - as for example the DxinlvirK. loam type. The soil should be such that when properly drained it ?;ould retain sufficient moisture, and at the same time be rendered friable by proper tillaf?:e,Sueh treatment xrill ensure good aeration, and greatly assist in making plant food obtainable. Trees planted on such loams will not come into bearing as early as those on lighter sails, dut they will last longer, and eventually produce larger harvests. This however must not lead us to conclude that the quince will not flourish on the lighter sandy soils, nor on the heavier and more oompact clays. With the former grf^8.ter effort vfill be neado'^. to conserve sufficient moisture, and more huirais will be required. The trees will frn.it earlier, but the period of their productiveness v,rill be shortened. The compact clay soils will demand both good drainage and thorough cultivation, while the cover-crops used should ha^e a deep spreading root system,which will aid in breaking the soil thus broadening the foraging area of the trees. Upon such soilthe pear quince gives good results, PROPOGATIOU. The propogation of the quince differs according to the localities and soils in which it is si'own.In 7. vestern Nev; YorK: where heavy loams abound, "budding is generally practised. The ^n^'ier is the stock used, and is the same as that employed for the dv/arfing of tlie pear. The stocKs are imported from Prance vfhen two or three years old, and have either been grown from seed or obtained from mound layering, They are planted in the nursery row^ budded in August, and sold when two or three. years of age from the time of budding, Some growers graft i..h.e scions on bits of apple roots. This is usually done in the winter, The union is sufficient to nurse tj^e scion for two or tjire^-- years, but fjh-^uld be removed since suckers are apt to spring from the Btock and interfere 'Tith the rrowth of the quince. PLANTING & PRUNING. In most of the older plantations the trees '.vere set from ten to tv^elve fe'~^t apart. This has pronen to be too close, since, owing to the character of the trees, clean tillage has been hindered, spraying interfered v/ith,and rather heavy pruning necessitated. As a result some rcrowers are feeling it necessary to cut out alternate rov/s diagonally. At present the prevailing opinion is that treejg should be set about sixteen feet apart, thus giving plenty of room for practising proper cultural methods, and render- ing harvesting easier. 8. In earlier times little attention vms paid to ti^e form of the tree, its bush-like character not being interfered with. For some time now the praetise has been to transform the bush into a tree. The head should be started from sixteen to twenty inches from t;":e groTind, ■ nd the top trained to the shape of an inverted cone. The mature tree in the nursery row is conspicu.o'^H for its symmetrical shape, and the absence of the bush-like appear- ance once so characteristic of tl^ie quince. The grovTth in the young tree often exceeds thirty inches, of which generally one fourth is removed by pruning. ¥/ith the mature tree the growth is not so great, since the bearing habit has become established. If however sich trees continue to make heavy growth of from twenty to thirty inches, they must be pruned back in the winter, though as pointed out in C.U. bulletin # 80, under proper soil management such treatment ¥/ould not be necessary. The practise dif severe heading-in is not now in vogue with the growers, As already noted some heading-in is necessary v/ith young trees, but in a bearing plantation such a practise means the thinning of trie fruit. It iraist be remembered that with the quince the fruit is terminal, hence the shortening of the annual growth cuts off the "terminal bloom". As a result the fruit will be formed the following year on side shoots. It is possible by providing proper rations 9. for tlie trees in conjunction with the treatment of the soil to promote fruit fulness rather than vegetative growth, thereby securing the desired result in a more satisfactory v/ay. These however are questions which each nust 'joik out for himself after having "become thoroughly acquainted with the soil in his plantation. In general, at tent ion sno-iild "be called to the following axioms in pruning :- A, All branches should be cut off close to the parent stem. B.All wounds exceeding an inch in diamater should be painted with oil paint, the paint being renewed each ye2.r until such time as the wound is healed. G.^fnen branches inaTect'^d with bli^^ht have been removed, first treat the wound with corrosive sublimate, then paint v;ith creasote paint. D. Pruning should be practivsed yearly rather than by general occasional thinning. E.All v;ater sprouts and suclcers should be removed as soon as noticed. CULTIVATION. Th'=- evolution of quince culture is a short but interesting" story. It is not a long step from the day of 10. the poorly located and neglected plots, to the present well-cared-for and thriving plantation. fTrowers have felt that the methods v/hioh have Tn3.de the apple, pear arta peach industries ca.n "be applied to the quince wi+h profit. Sone find tiiat during tjie early growth of the trpif=^B a Tor^i, crop can be planted iDetYireen the rows, since it necessitates ti.e application of fertili>-erfj,ar'd ti^e cultivation of the aoil,tri..i;s itoeping it friable, and rendering the plant food more easily o'btaina'ble to the young tree. As r. general practise this rrould "be unwise, for it would eventually rob the trees of proper nourishment , thus hindering their developement.The energy of the soil should be conserved primarily for the use of the trees. The folioTiTing tabulations are taken from the data obtained during the survey of the quince plantations of V7estern Nevir York, in the fall of 1909. II. Table I. Fertilizers. Cover Crops. Tillage, and Spraying. M'i acres acres of in in ore tfda^, farms .qu i nces . Fert ili a er.s_; Tillage. Spraying. I. I, I. I. I. I. I. I. 52. 52. 3. 3. I. 13.5 1/2 100, 5. 3. I. 100. 2. Barnyard manure. rBa:.yyard manure j Com lerc ial f ert . loover crops. (Barnyard manure jcover Crops. Barnyard manure fBarnyard manure [salt parnyard manure tsalt 107 3 1/2. Barnyard manure 23. 1/2 Barnyard manure 125. I 4. 1/4 I. 25 4. I. 50. 1/2 I. 100. 10. /Barnyard manure (Cover Crops (Barnyard manure lOommercial fert. Barnyard laanure parnyard manure (cover Crops. Clean. Clean Clean Clean Clean Clean Sod, Clean G lean- Clean Clean Sod. I . Dormant ; SBordeaux & Arsenate of lead. I .Dormant : SBordeaux & Arsenate of Lead S.Bordeaux 3. Bordeaux & Arsenate of lead. I . Dormant ; SBordeaux & Arsenate of lead. I .Bordeaux 3. Bordeaux 3. Bordeaux 3. Bordeaux I.Bordeaux part sod S.Bordeaux " clean. 12. From the foregoing table it will be seen that l.c fertilizers are widely used. Of the orchards visited, all but one reoei^-^ed a liberal dressing of barnyard manure at least every other year, and in some Instances yearly. Aboixt 50^ used green manure in the form of cover crops, while 25^ added a commercial fertilizer- The thriving condition of the trees, and the substantial returns of the past few years teatlfy to the value of the practise. Since not sufficient data on the matter of food as applied to the quince is at present available, one cannot absolutely state the relative values of the various foods supplled.lt seems to the writer that a balanced ration consisting of comiunations of fertllsers and cover-crops, TTith a rotation of the same over a definite period, is the ideal method of treating a plantation. By such a cereful combination of fertlizers vrith nitrogenous and nor nitrogenous cover-crops so as to obtain a proper balance of the various elements required by the tree to promote grov/th, retain healthy foliage, and give quality and color to the fruit, many of the se-'^ere measures resorted to would be abandoned, the fruit improved, and the returns augmented. with those plantations situated on steep hill sides, where only sod culture is practicable, clean tillage is the rule. Of all the fruits perhaps none raaKe a stronger demand for such treatment than the quince. Susceptible as it is to the /iMiai(ii1nB ^, te e th Qjorers and funpcl.all methods of sod and mulch 15. culture, v/hich greatly aid these pests should be avoided, Since the quince is a shallow rooting tree, tillage must be conducted with care. Very shallow ploughing or cultivat- ing with a harrow will sufficiently break the ground. Cultivation should be continued at intervals until approx- imately early July. This date will of course be governed by the character of the season, the desire to hasten or retard the maturing of the fruit, and the effort to mature the wood thus protecting it against -/inter Killing. The ground may be left in a fine mulched state or a cover-crop sown. The value of a cover-crop is too well Icnown to demand attention here, a thorough discussion of the subject will be found in the, Experiment Station bulletin of Cornell UniverEity if- 198. Since the trees are headed low, pasturing with hogs and sheep is not favored. Some of the growers have tried this plan, but the results have not been satisfactory. HARVESTING & MARKET Ilia. Under normal conditions the trees begin to bear when five or six years old, and reach their full capacity v;hen ten or twelve years of age, Not a few well- carcd-for plantations from thirty five to forty years of age are still producing good crops. The time of picking Ubually extends from the last week of September to the 14. third -.76 1: of October. This year, good bearing trees in large plots produced I 1/2 bushels each, while those widely separated, and in gmaller plantations yielded two bushels per tree. The quince when ripe is an attractive fruit, and if well cared for, the fuzz removed so as to show the rich color, neatly packed, it would hold a foremost place among the culinary fruits. At present it is increasing in favor. The method of packing, and the package used depends on the market for which it is destined. Those 7/ho supply local trade use half bushel !:askets,v7hile those who ship to m.ore distant markets use either the small or regular shaped barrel. In tlie present system of handling the crop some points may be considered. Since the fruit bruises somewhat easily, and each braise becomes a dark brown spot, which mars the otherwise attractive fruit, great care should be shown not only in the picking, but also in the subsequent handling of it on the packing table, and when passing to the barrel. Purthemore, more carerul discrim- ination might be shown in grading. A larger niunber of seconds would doubtless result, but the improved and more uniform quality of the firsts would bring a much higher price, thereby more than counterbalancing the difference made in the increase of seconds. One lucrative market is passed over by many growers, namely the selecting, cleansing. 15. and careful paclcing in attractive packages of perfect si-ecimens which will readily find sale at advanced prices in the various markets, It is true tliat the quince is not a dessert fruit, nevertheless the price is determined in a measure by the attractive way it is packed. As Dean Bailey pointed out in C.U.Bul.# 80"It is notioable tliat tte placing of each individual fruit "by hand in small packages brings as good returns ay it does in peaches and other descert fruit. 16. VARIETIES. A, Classification :-In this we have follo^^ed Waugh's artifioal classification as given in F.A.Waugh's Systematic Pomology. Form. COLOR. Variety. Round. Early. Pyriforifl. abrupt. rich yellow Rea. large Round. SEASON AUTUMN. lemon yellow Fuller. Medium large & regular. golden yellow Orange, large & irregular, russet ted short Pyriforra Apple, ^--olden yellow Meech. Round. late. large Pyriform. long greenish yellow Chamjiion, dull yellow Pear, 17. B . Descrip t ions . - Few varieties of the quince are grown in vfestern New York, about five being of coimnercial importance namely - the Or ange,Rea, Champ ion, Pear, Meeoh, and Apple variety of the ©range. Orange.- The Orange is of European origitijand. being generally reliable and productive, is most widely grown. The tree is vigorous and spreading^vs.oval to elliptical, margin entire, color darX green above^ lighter on the underside ;fr. large regular roundish , necK small, stem depression shallov/, basin deep, flaring, color golden yellow, surface slightly covered with fuscous down, flesh firm, season medium, keeping qualities good. Rea.- This variety is of American origin, being raised as a seedling about forty five years ago by Joseph Rea CoxsacKie N.Y. The tree is spreading, vigorous grov;er,but somewhat shorter than the Qrange;lvs. large ovate, entire, dark, green above, lighter on the under side ;fr. abruptly pyriform, large, covered with a gray fuscous down, stem end with medivim depression furrowed at top, basin medium, somev^hat constricted, color rich yellow, flesh firm, granular , season early autumn, keeping quality good, but not equal to the Qrange. Champion.- This is also of American origin. The tree is a tall upright, vigorous grower, Ivs, ovate, margin entire, yellowish green, fr. large, pyriform, covered with yellowish fuscous down, furrowed 18- at the stem end-.basin deep, calyx reflexed,nolor greenish yellow, flesh firm, season late aut^xmn, Keeping qualities good, but it does not always ripen well. Pear.- This variety though not so excellent as those already described is widely grown. The tree iy somev;hat smaller than the Orange, but spreading, Ivs. ovate, iiore i)ointed at the apex, and smaller than tiiose of the other varieties, edge entire, color medium green; fr. long pyr if orm, covered with gray fuscous down which adheresclosely,body roundish , neck about one third the length of the body, stem depression deep , furrowed at top, basin medium, flesh firm, granular, season late autumn. Meech's Prolific. -This is also an American variety, having originated in Connecticut, and was described by W.W.Meech in 1883. The tree is spreading and vigorous ;lva. ovate, margin entire :fr. short p yr if orm, furrowed at top, covered with fuzz, basin nediura, color golden yellow; season autumn. The growers feel that this variety has not sustained its reputation. Apple{ variety of the Orange) The tree and foliage are smaller than the orange ;fr. small, flattened at both ends, roundish, somewhat irregular, fit em depression very shallow, basin medium color golden yellov/ to rus^etted, flesh firm, season autumn, keeping quality good. 19. Puller :-This variety is of American origin put out by J. J.Luddoclc of New Jersey. The tree is spreading, open, tall; Ivs. ellipsoidal, edge entire, color bronze green ;fr. large pyriform.neci: small and short, surface smooth and regular, stem depression shallow, basin deep and flaring, color lemon yellow, flesh tender, season early autumn, Iceeping qualities fair; a ^ood xi-ariety for fancy packing. O.The relative Economic values of the various Varieties. The following table provided by the Department of Home Economics of Cornell University gives the results of ejqperiments performed to determine the relative economic value of the various varieties. 20. I I, Results obtained from Variety Fo - C. Manu .factured Weight R;:.T/ .material, T Weight .pared. ^ ,'jLOSS. Amount water .used. Pear banned III6 cr. 789Gr. . r^93 3cc n Bal-ced 597 Gr. ;j97Gr .502 I I/2GC II Jelly ^61 Or. 678 ;r. ( .109 ;iuioe) loc. Orange. Canned 1279 ar. I004Gr. .734 6CC II Baked 681 ar. 540Gr. .792 I I/2CC. It Jelley IIG4 cr. I062Gr. .912 ( :juiGe) 5 ."/4CC Rea. Canned II73 Gr. 805Gr. .686 2 cc. II Baked 875 Gr. 601 Gr. .686 I 1/2 CC. Cliampion Canned G27 Gr 503Gr. .802 3 oc. II Baked -.33 Gr. 375 Gr. , , .703 I 1/2 CC. 11 Jelly 868 Gr . 786Gr. .P05 (jiiice) 4 cc. Apple Canned 1025 Gr 745Gr. .273 3 cc . II Baked ior4 Gr. 795Gr. .754 I 1/2 CC II jelly 999 Gr. 969Gr. .997 ( ,]uice) 3 cc. go. GooKing test, Am't Am't By-pracLucts Loss Sugar Fruit from used, produced. prrocLucecl. By-Mrocliict Marmalade 2 CO. 2 r't.JarB. I I /2c I " « . l.lar;:ialade I cc. 3 l/4cc. 3GC. 4 cc. 4 pt.jars. I l/2ul " " 5 /.:4c 4 l/s cc 4 cc. 3 cc. 2 pt.Jars I l/2c2 " " 2cc I pt.jar. 1 I/2C1"" 4cc. 4CG 2 cc. 2 pt.;iars pulp I l/4 cc. pulp I/4C Re '.arlcs. Marmalade pulp 2 I. ''2 CO. l/2 CC. I glass 1 I/2C2 " " jBliey Marmalade pulp 2 I /2c 5 glasses I 3/4 pts. l/2cc The fuzz is hard to remove. Champion cooK.s slo-'er than tlie other varieties. 21, From a study of the foregoing table, and a test of all the various products made, it was found that the Orange presented a very attractive fruit, being coherent, fine in texture, smooth and nelting,and of a rich orange- yelloT/ color. The cost of production was slightly above the average,.- nd the loss from 7/l0 - s/io of a percent. Rea ' sMarimouth gave a light yellow fruit of firm consist- ency, close adhering, but somewhat coarser in texture, and more aciduous than the Orange. The cost of production was less then with the former, while the loss was from 6/l0 - s/io of a percent. The Champion, though presenting an at- tractive fruit of light yellow color, firm in texture, was granular, less attractive, and more costly in production than the others. The Pear variety gave in general the poorest results, being exceedingly acifi, coarse in texture and costly to put up. The Apple quince was of excellent flavor, but the flesh was loose, and showed a tendency to break up readily.lt may be said tbat the Orange, Rea, and Champion in general appearance were equal, but considered in all respects ranK. in the order named. 22. YIELD ?x INCOME. II. Average yield and income per aore 1907 - 1909. llo. average average average of total acres in yield p-a" price income Fa rns. acerage. quinces acre bbls. per bbl, per acre. I. 52. 3 1/2 74 4/9 Is. 91 S/3 $262.41 I. 13.5 l/Z 48 3.91 V/Z 188.00 I. 100 8 59 3/8 3.50 209.37 I. 3 66 2/S 3.91 2/3 261. II I. 107 3 l/2 64 6/7 2.75 178.35 I. 125 4 50 3.62 1/2 181.25 I. 100 1/4 36 3.75 135.00 I. 25 4 S8 7/12 3.28 1/3 118.85 I. 100 2 53 3.75 189.75 That the quince industry is a paying investment can be readily seen from a study of the figures presented in the preceeding table. The yields and prices for each of the three succesoive years ^^ere obtained in every possible instance, in order that the possibilities in quince growing night be fairly shown. The variation in the average income and yields for the three years is largely traceable to methods of cultivation, and varietal differences. 23. El^EMIES. Unfortunately the quince falls a ready victim to several enemies namely - Fire-bli^-ilit, Leaf-blight and Fruit-spot. Rust, The curoulio, Codling moth, Borer, and San Jose scale, These nay be grouped into Plant Parasites and Insect Pests, PLANT PARASITES. Fire-Blight :- Tliis is a bacterial disease, and is largely disseminated by aphids.It is particularly destructive in the young plantations where 5^^roY;th is abundant.lt attacks the young succulunt shoots, and destroying these proceeds to talce possession of tiie entire tree, Sometimes v;ithin one season it will sweep over the entire plot. Among the older trees it frequently attacks the twigs, blossoms, and young fruit. Under favorable conditions it may pass from the twig to the parent stem and limb, leaving in its track the characteristic canker, with the dead, dried, withered leaves, and mummified fruit clinging to the branches. The distinguishing characters are- the canker with raised margin, smooth unchecked sunken area of brownish color. This is usually active but one season, except in the case of hold-over-cankers vrhzxe the disease 24. is carried over tlie v/inter in a dormant state, but resumes activity in the early spring, The twig and WosRom blight is readily noticed by the presence of the canker on tine twigs, also the vfithered, drooping leaves and blossoms. The disease spreads rapidly in cloudy, humid ^.7eather,at which tine the active cankers exude milky drops that teem with bacteria. The only method of treatment is to cut out the infected parts as soon as the disease appears, being careful to sever the branch at least three inches below the base of the canker. The wound should be thoroughly disinfected v;-ith corrosive sublimate, and painted v^ith creosote paint. All cuttings, dead leaves, and mummified fruit should be burned. Such treatment will eradicate the disease, and by careful watching it can be kept under control. For a comprehensive treatment of this disease see Cornell Bulletin #272. Leaf-Blight & Fruit-Spot :- The iiiost serious and wide spread fungus disease is knovm as Leaf-blight and Fruit -spot, and is caused by the fungus Entomosporium maculatum.This defoliates the trees early, and causes black: spots on the fruit, The first appearance of the disease is a small circular discolored area on the leaf , which becomes dull red with darker margins . Finally the leaves become yellow, and begin to 25. fall in August and early September, the trees being completely defoliated before the fruit is fully developed. Such a loss of foliage deprives the fruit of proper nour- ishment , and as a result it does not mature.Jinirther, this is injurious to the tree, since it prevents the storing of the needed food supply, Under normal conditions the foliage should persist until after harvest. The disease is not confined to the leaf, but attacks the fruitas v/ell.Here the spot is at first red, later becoming brown and sunken. Frequently there is a drying of the outer layer, which extends for some distance, and as a result cracking ensues. Probably the disease is found in all orchards, but it is most serious in sod or neglected plantations. Fortunately it can be contrcaied by spraying with Bordeaux of the strength 5-5-50. 1.'ost growers make three applications of this apray at intervals of from ten to fourteen days each. Rust :- This disease is caused by the fungus Gyrano- sporangium st-i4u&-stv-is , and as a rule is present in most orchards, but is not troublesome.lt nmy attack portions or spread over the entire fruit, the infected area becoining dry, hard, black, and sunken. In the fruiting stage it appears as an orange-like fringe in the long tube-like structures of which the spores are produced. Sometimes it 26. attacks the twigs giving rise to knot tygrovirths. This fungus, like other rusts, does not pass its life oyole on one host. The spores from the fruiting body on the quince will not produce the rust again on that fruit, hut are carried by the wind to the cedar or juniper, where they give rise to the v/itches-broom on ;hat host. From this in the spring time the spores are produced which attack the quince. The rust is rarely s :i-ious,and can be contrcHed by the spray used for tlie Leaf-spot. INSECT PESTS. The Curculio ( Gonotrachelus cratae^-i) :-0f the insects that attack the q lince thi;j is the most importf:nt,The beetle is closely allied to the one tliat attacks the i^each ncL the plum. It punctures the fruit causing it to be rough and knotty. The general method of treating this pest has been to jar the trees, and capture the insects on a sheet spread for the purpose. This nethod has been costly, both in the number of ...en required for tiie operation, and the rough treatment the trees sometimes received. The general trend at present is to use arsen.te of lead, adding this to the Bordeaiix mixture, and applying thoroughly to the fruit. In general it has proven satisfactory holding the enemy in check. During the past simmer the Department 27. Gonducted experiments to test the value of arsenate of lead in controlling this pest. The ir.Becticide was used alone, arid in conjunction v.'ith bordeaux. Both plots were sprayed four times, naiTiely on June I4th.,and 3Fth.;July 2nd. , and I2th,In all instances the trees were thoroughly covered, ■but particular attentior: was paid to the fruit. The spray was driven well into the calyx cup, and the fruit covered with a good film. The plots were visited several times during the season, and close observations made.Wlien the fruit was harvested, and examined it was found to be perfectly clean and free from the effects of curculio. In vie"- of these results, the experience of grov/ers,and the fact that the Horticulturists of other States find this method successful, it may be recommended as an effect- ive means of holding the enemy in check. The amount of arsenate of lead used was t?/o pounds in "bordeaux 5-5-50. The Codling-Moth ( Garpocapsa poraonella) This is the same pests which so many orchardists find troublesome to the apple. With the quince its attacks are not so serious. The best method of control is by applying arsenate of lead in conjunction with bordeaux, being careful to drive the spray weil into the calyx-cup. 28. The Borer ( Saperda Candida). This insect \7hich seems to ha'-e a preference for the quince should be dug out. The crovms and trunks of the trees should be examined both spring and fall. With a wire p'-netrate the mine of the borer, and destroy the larva. The San Jose Scale(Aspidiotus ^enniciosus ) This insect though not so v;idely spread as other pests, is when once established in a plantation the most to be dreaded, Fortunately the character of the quince tree makes the fight easier. Heie the grov/er does not have to contend with a high tree, or overly bushy top, hence some of the great hinderances to spraying are over- ome. Considering the Ioy/ and easily accessible character of the tree, even with fairly favorable conditions spraying should not be a difficult task. The general method of combating this insect is with whale-oil soap, or kerosene e?ralsion.The plantations visited during the survey appeared free from t-is pest. THE VALUE OF SPRAYING. From Table I it will be seen that the growers give close attention to the practise of spraying , 25^pray four times, the first being a dormant spray ;no^ make three applications while 25^ spray once. The relation of the 39. yields and incorie to this practise of orchard management cannot be readily made from a coniparison of plantations. Considering the numerous enemies which infest the guince, it is evident tliat no harvest of any value v/ould be secur- ed T/ere it not for a thorough protection of the fruit and trees. Considering the same varieties, it nay be said, that the plantations ijhich have been thoroughly sprayed at the proper time have shown a decided increase in retiirns over those not so favorably treated. CONCLUSIONS. 7rom tlie foregoing study the follovfing "brief conclusions may be drr-.i-m. A, The quince is a native of Greece, and grovTs wild from Turkestan to Japan. It was introduced into England "by by the Romans, and was brought to this country by the early settlers, B.As an industry quince gro^z/ing is more important in Western liew York than in any part of the Union, and the average income per acre coiiipares favorably ?/ith that received from other fruits, O.The heavy loams, as for example the Eoinlcirlc loam type, are best adapted to this fruit, G-ood drainage is essential for the best results in quince culture. D.Propogation is chiefly by budding , though hard- wood cuttings, and scions grafted on bits of apple roots may be eirployed. E. Trees should be set sixteen feet apart, the head started at from 15 - 20 inches, and trimmed to an inverted cone. F. Glean culture is most important in quince plantations, and oiTing to the shallo^.T-rooting habit of the tree shallov/ tillage should be practised. In f ertlising, a balanced ration of barnyard manure, covercrops, and comi'iiercial fertilizers combined 3L. with nitrogenous or nomiitro,^:enous cover crops will provide the necessary plant food, and reinder best results. c^.The trees begin to fruit when five or six years old, and reach full bearing capacity when ten or tv.-elve years of age. Harvesting extends from the last week in September to the last of October. Too much care Cv.nnot be shown in the handling, selecting, cleaning, and packing of the frait,as return depends in a large measure on the attractiveness of the product. H.The varieties common in Western Hew York are the Orange, Rea, Champion, Meech, Pear, and Apple, the ^->ost widely cultivated being the Orange, Rea, and Champion. I. The results of the experiments conducted by the Home Economics Department show that the Orange, Rea and Champion rank in commercial importance in the order named. J. That the quince industry may be a paying investment is readily seen from a study of Table II, which shows the average yield and income of the plantations visited for a period of three years. K.The chief enemies of the quince are as follows :- Bacterial Fire-bligLt Fungi Leaf blight & fruit spot; Rust. Insects Gurculio, Cbdlin moth, Borer, & San Jose, scale. 38i The methods of combating these various pests will be found in pages ninteen to twenty-four. In conolusion,! v/isli to thank Professor Craig for the assaintanoe,and criticism so freely given. Also I desire to thank the Department of Home Economics for the experiments p rformed by them, which made the completion of this problem possible. Bibliography. Bailey, L.H. BanKSjHon.Sir, J< Duhamel Downing, A. J. POX,C.T. Funic, J. H, Gallov7ay,B.r. Goff,E.S. "The Quince." Encyclopedia of American Horticulture. "The Quince. "(Fruit Buds) Pruning BooR. p. 60, "The QLiince (Pruning)" Pruning Book p. 322. "Quince." Nursery boolc p., "507. "The Quince of Western New Yorlc." Cornell Bul.,;-'30,pp.609 - 631. "Forcing Houses of The Romans." Trans. Hort.SoG. London, Vol. I ipp. 147 _ 153, "Varieties of the Quince." "The Quince." Fruit and Fruit Trees of America." "Report of The Pomologist." Penn.Sta.Dept.of Agr.Rpt .I903,pp.235,538. "Fruits of Pennsylvania." Penn.Dept.Agr.Bul.#I52,p.S39. "Instiiictions for The Prevention on The Diseases of The Quince." U.S. Dept . Agr. Farmer ' s Bui .#38 , p . 12 . "Investigation of Flower Buds." ¥is.Sta.Rpt.I9(DI,p,3I4. 34. c^arcia,P. "Orchard Notes" New Mer.ico Sta. Bui .#39, pp. 99-130. Gardner's Chronicle"ifotes on The Qninc e "¥01.3/14, p. 273. . " " » ti « u li 3/27, p. 50.. " n D II II II II 3/30, p. 43.. " " " II u I. » 3/42, p. 450.. "Bordeaux Injury". 11. Y. Sta. Bui. ,:-287, p. 103-189. "Some Stem Tumors on the Apple & Quince'.' U.S.Dept.Agr. Bur. Plant Indus. Gir. 3, p. 16, "Training & Pruning." Tenn. Sta. 1 ul . Vol . 17 ,#3 ,p . 61 . " Spraying Orchards . " H . Y . sta . Bui .#8 6 , pp . 125-127 . "Culture & Marketing of Orchard Fruits" N.C.Sta.Eul.#I84,pp36-I25. " Quinc e Cul tur e . " "Quince Rot." Garden & Prait ,Vol.7,p.33V. "Pomarii-un Britannicum pp. 3 1 8-320. Hedrick,U.B, Hedg ec oc'K , G . G . Keffer,C.A. Lodeman,G.E. Massey,P.V/. n.'3ech,W.¥. Powell, H.G. Phillips Quinn,G. "Fruit Ties Pruning," Jour. Agr. S.Australia, Vol. 3, ,>-2, p. II6-I39 35» Rural New Yorlcer Sim,T.R. Selt>y,A.D. Stewart, F.C. Stone, E.G. Stevens, F.L. Thomas, J.J. Tozetti Targioni Van Slilce.L.L, Warren "The Chinese Quinoe." Rural NeT/ Yorlcer Vols. 23 & 24. p. 140. "Pro; ogation of Tree Cuttings." Natal Agr.Jour.& LiicREc. Vol. 7,#S.pp. 247-258, "Some Diseases of Orchard and Garden Fruits" Ohio Sta. Bui .#70, pp. 97 - 141. "Fruit Survey of Y/eatern Nev; Yorlc." Some Diseases of The quince. "Frcuit Disease Survey of The Hudson Valley" W.Y.Sta.I3ul,#I67,pp.2?5 - 308. "Quince Rust." Mass. State Bd.Agr.Nab.Lf .#II,p.3. "Fungus Diseases of Apple Pear & Quince." N. . Sta .Bui .;;--I83 ,pp . 64, 82. ?ig .10. "The Quince." American Fruit Culture, pp. 580 - B84. "Historical Notes on Introduction of x^arious Plants into Agr.?^ Hort.of Tuscany." Jour.Hort.Soc.London,Vol.9.p.i60. "Plant food Constituents used "by Bearing Fruit Ttees." N.Y.Sta.Bul.#265,PP.2I5 - 223 . "The Quince." Our Common Fruits, pp. 41 - 46, 56. ¥aite,B. "Cross Pollination." The Year Boole, 1898, p. 178. Wiclcson,E.J. "Tl-ie Qaince." California Fruits, op. 278-280, Plate I. Figure I Pear quince, long pyriform. Figure 2 Champion quince, large pyriform. Figure 3 Fuller quince, large pyriform. Figure 4 Rea quince, abrapt pyriform. Figure 5 Grange quince, large, regular rotmdish. Figure 6 Apple quince, irregi.ilar roundish.