, where it is subject to periods of cold and frost of
considerable length; it has readily adjusted itself to this location and
climate. We are now able to pronounce it, a complete success! It is a
magnificent fruit! Much superior in size, color, flavor and fragrance,
to our own domestic quince. In keeping qualities and a firmness of flesh
that will bear long distance transportation without injury, it is fully
equal to the northern quince. In a deep-toned richness of color,
perfection of shape and smoothness of skin, these peerless quinces are
veritable apples of gold! They are pictures of beauty which sell at
sight! The flavor is so fine, that Mexicans eat them with as much relish
as the people of New York eat apples. Dried, these quinces are
delicious!

"In Mexico, large quantities are annually reduced to a soft mass of
pulp, spread out in thin layers, and dried into sheets of what is termed
quince-leather. Armed with a generous roll of this excellent
preparation, the traveler in the desert countries of hot, dry climates,
may bid defiance to thirst. With such a wealth of recommendations, we
were able to sell our first crop of quinces at a net price of two
dollars per crate; or $20,000 in cash. Hereafter we shall save the
commissions, as we have already received advance orders for our next
crop, at $2.25 per crate, delivered on board the cars here at Solaris.
Next year, we propose to enlarge our quince orchard by adding another
hundred acres. Taking all these items into consideration, I think we
have good reason to be proud of our first attempt at experimental
farming in the line of quince culture!

"I have two additional experiments to describe. They are the last on my
list.

"While in Mexico securing the quince plants, I found what to me was a
new variety of table grapes. They were marked by the following
characteristics. Large clusters, berry large oblong, thin skin, few
seeds, fine sweet pulp, delicious bouquet, color when ripe, a pale
amber green; ripens about the first of July. As we found these grapes
growing on the high table lands, I determined to try them at Solaris. By
the dint of hard work, I procured enough young vines to set fifty acres.
From those vines, we have rooted enough cuttings in the nursery, to give
us 100,000 young vines, which have now reached the proper size for
setting in the vineyard. This fine grape we have named 'Solaris Early.'

"Last July we gathered our first crop--5000 ten-pound ba