vAUG.] PINE-APPLES. 415 



the bark will then have risen, and as they \viIT just 

 be pusf'ing fibres, they must have a moderate quan- 

 tity at root, once in three or four days, but none 

 over the tops till a little better established, and the 

 heart-leaves have begun to grow, lest these might 

 damp off. Afterwards, water freely at root, and 

 also give a dewing over the leaves, as they advance 

 in growth, and may seem to demand it, in the man- 

 ner often already spoken of. 



With respect to air, it need not be very freely 

 admitted, till the heat begin to rise in the bark -bed, 

 but must then,, and as the plants take on a growth, 

 be given in larger portions ; and, in sunshine, so as 

 to keep down the mercury or spirits in the thermo- 

 meter, to about 85", or 80°» 



Of destroying Insects on Pine- Apple plants, 

 I have not hitherto spoken of the insects that an- 

 noy pine-apple plants ; being hopeful, that, if the 

 directions given in the former montlis have been 

 followed, none will now be found that will material- 

 ly injure them. The truth is, that if the plants, by 

 proper culture, be kept healthy and vigorous, in- 

 sects xdll not annoy ^ hut leave them. This fact I have 

 repeatedly proved, both with respect to the pine, 

 and to other plants that are liable to be affected 

 with the coccus, (the only insect that materially in- 

 jures the pine), which seems to delight in disease and 

 decay, as flies do in carrion. 



I have received into my stock, plants covered with 

 the pine-bug, (coccus hesperidum), without the 



