_Quinces._--In an old family memorandum-book, I find the following curious
entry:
"Sept. 15. 1725. My Father Mr. ---- ---- brought my mother home to my
grandfather's house, and the wedding dinner was kept there on Monday,
Sept. 20., with all the family, and Mr. ---- and Mr. ---- and his wife
were present.
"In the Evening my Honoured Grandfather gave all his Children a serious
admonition to live in Love and Charity ... and afterwards gave his wife
a {21} present of some _Quinces_, and to his sister ----, and every Son
and Daughter, Son in Law and Daughter in Law, Five Guineas each."
The last-named gift consisted of gold five-guinea pieces of Charles II. and
James II., some of which have been preserved in the family. The part of the
record, however, which appears to me worthy of note, is that which concerns
the _quinces_, which brings to one's mind the ancient Greek custom that the
bridegroom and bride should eat a _quince_ together, as a part of the
wedding ceremonies. (See Potter's _Grecian Antiquities_.)
Can any of your readers furnish any additional information on this curious
point?