PINE APPLES TEMPERATURE AND VENTILATION. 165 



little fresh tan should be mixed with the top 18 inches of the old, but it is very 

 undesirable to have to disturb the plants just as they commence growing freely. 



About the middle of May more air and atmospheric moisture, also more water at 

 the roots, will, be required, the latter being given at 85 with guano in it as advised 

 for filling the evaporation troughs; damp the house in the morning and at closing 

 time ; admit a little air about 7 A.M., and gradually increase it with the sun heat to 

 about 11 A.M. It is desirable to dispense with front or side ventilation as far as 

 practicable. Fire heat will only be necessary to maintain a night temperature of 

 75, falling 5 during the night, and 70 to 75 by day in dull weather, turning off 

 the heat early on fine mornings. 



During May a shading of some light material such as scrim canvas may be 

 necessary for a few hours on very bright days, to prevent scorching in the leaves, 

 but only employing the shading where absolutely necessary, and until the leaves 

 are inured to bear the sun's rays without being browned. 



By midsummer the weather may be so warm that the temperature of succession 

 pine pits may be maintained by early closing in the afternoon where fermenting 

 material is employed for bottom heat without having recourse to fire. In that case, 

 ventilate rather freely in the early part of the day, and husband the sun heat to 

 maintain a temperature of 70 to 75 till late at night. In cold periods, where bottom 

 heat is derived from hot-water pipes, and in cold localities, fire will be required 

 more or less through the summer months to maintain a night temperature of 65 to 

 70, and 70 to 75 by day. 



When fire heat is dispensed with, or reduced to its lowest amount, and the syringe 

 is used freely. Queens throw up suckers from the lowest leaves in abundance. They 

 should be removed at once with a pair of long-handled pincers, gripping them near 

 their base and twisting them out of their sockets. Suckers should not be allowed on 

 successional pine plants, especially Queens. 



By the middle of August the plants will have made and matured sturdy growth. 

 If intended to ripen their fruit in May and June they must be cautiously watered 

 from the beginning of September, but the soil must not be kept very dry nor the 

 atmosphere extremely arid, or the plants will throw up "buttons" instead of fine 

 " shows." If they are kept growing until late in the season there is little chance of 

 starting them into fruit early. By the end of September the plants will have hardened 

 their growths, and by the middle of October be in a state of rest, the temperature 



