316 



than many other tropical plants, and will grow and also ripen its 

 fruit -in sheltered localities as far south as Sydney. The plant is 

 (|uit<> at home in the coast districts of Queensland and the northern 

 part of Nesv South Wales, and in some localities its cultivation lias 

 become an important industry. Considerable quantities of fruit 

 are now sent from these districts to the southern colonies and 

 New Zealand, and the trade is expanding. Pine-Apples are well 

 adapted for the warm regions of North Australia, as also in West 

 Australia and some parts of South Australia. In congenial localities 

 the Pine-Apple generally proves a profitable crop, as a plantation 

 will yield from three to four thousand fruits per acre. This crop 

 requires a rich open soil containing a. good proportion of vegetable 

 matter, and it should be of fair deptlt. If the ground is not 

 sufficiently rich it should be improved bv the free use of well decayed 

 nia.nure. The ground should be deeply worked, as a good root bed is 

 essential, and, if necessary, provision must bo made for effective 

 drainage. Shelter should also be provided if it does not exist 

 naturally. The plants should be arranged in rows about four feet 

 Apart, and leaving from tw r o to three feet between in the lines, 

 according to the growth of the variety. It is advisable to plant 

 with regularity so as to facilitate the use of the horse-hoe in keeping 

 the land clean. Care must also be taken to firm the soil round the 

 roots when the plants are put in. and more especially in light open 

 ground. The best time for planting is early in the autumn, or, if 

 that is not convenient, in the spring. Crops planted in the autumn 

 usually give the quickest return. After planting, weeds should be 

 kept down by frequent hoeings, and when practicable it will be an 

 .advantage to mulch between the plants before the hot season sets in. 

 A plantation will come into bearing in from eighteen months to two 

 years, according to the strength of the plants when put in and the 

 growth they make. A plantation will yield payable crops for four or 

 five years, after which the plants get weakly and cease to give good 

 marketable fruit. The fruit attains the highest degree of perfection. 

 ;as a rule, Avhen allowed to remain on the plants till it changes 

 colour, as then only is the rich flavour developed to the fullest extent. 

 When required for shipment, however, the fruit must necessarily be 

 cut before it is fully coloured. 



In the cooler regions of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, 

 lovers of this grand fruit who wish to obtain it in perfection may 

 easily gnrvv the Pine-Apple in glass houses or frames with the aid of 

 artificial heat. All that is necessary is to plant in rich open well 

 drained soil, which by means of hot water pipes can be heated to 

 sibout seventy-five degrees Fall... and a few degrees higher after the 

 fruit has formed. Care must also be taken after the fruit has 

 formed to maintain a good circulation of air, avoiding, however, 

 strong currents, and let the plants have a free light. 



PROPAGATION. 

 Plants may be obtained from seeds, crowns, suckers, and cuttings 



