PINE APPLES SUCKERS STRUCTURES. i 57 



higher up the stem than where the embryo roots are of a slightly brownish hue. Divide 

 the suckers into two sizes, the larger, stronger, and healthier for establishing in 7- or 

 8-inch pots, and the smaller and weaker for placing in 5- or 6-inch pots. New pots must 

 be soaked, old pots should be well washed. Provide efficient drainage, clean crocks, 

 with a thin layer of the most fibry part of the loam over them, and on that a sprinkling 

 of fresh soot, which acts as a barrier against worms, and a stimulant to the plants. In 

 potting the suckers place them sufficiently deep in the pot to keep them steady, and 

 press the soil as firmly as it can be made with the hand, leaving it about f inch from the 

 rim of the pot, so that watering may be easily effected. The suckers are then ready for 

 placing in a pit previously prepared for their reception, which will have attention 

 presently. 



STRUCTURES. 



The situation should be well sheltered from north, east, and west winds, but the 

 sheltering objects must not interfere with full exposure to sun. The structures must also 

 be so constructed as to admit as much light as practicable. Lean-to houses have the 

 advantage of more direct sunlight during winter than span-roofed, and are more econo- 

 mical and better for the swelling of the winter fruits. For summer growth and fruiting, 

 preference may be given to span-roofed houses running north and south. Excellent pine 

 apples are grown in three-quarters span-roofed houses facing the south ; also in span- 

 roofed structures with their ends running east and west. 



A small lean-to pit is the oldest and still the best for suckers. It may be simply a 

 deep pit for holding leaves, with hot-water pipes for top heat, and then used for propa- 

 gating only, without a pathway inside the pit then holding two or three more rows of 

 suckers, than when there is a pathway at the back. The latter, however, is a great con- 

 venience, and the pit is available for young stock at any time. Both forms are indicated 

 in the section, Fig. 43, B, a simple pit sunk in the ground, the roof lights (q) sliding 

 up and down, and the pit (s) extending the whole width ; the other with a path (t) at 

 the back, and a narrower pit (s) in the front. 



Grand pine apples were first (and still are) grown in pits, suckers, succession, and 

 fruiting plants together in one house, bottom heat being furnished by leaves or tan, 

 the pit being about level with the ground, as shown in C, . dotted line o ; top heat in 

 that case is supplied by the pipes in the path at the back, and others fixed at y. There 

 are no front lights, but a wall, and no front path. The roof lights are so contrived as 

 to lift up easily in front for watering the plants on that side, and for removal when 



