THE PINEAPPLE. 470 



It would now be difficult to trace the history of those under cultiva- 

 tion in Florida and the West India islands. In many cases the 

 varieties sent out from Europe, originating under glass, have had 

 their original names changed in the West Indies and other tropical 

 climes. In open field culture in the tropics it appears that very few, 

 if any, of the best modern varieties have been originated. As well 

 known instances the Enville was grown from crossed seed by the 

 gardener of the Earl of Stamford ; Bucks Glove Pine was raised from 

 crossed seed at Elford, England; the Dounton Havanna was grown 

 from crossed seed by Thomas A. Knight of England. As a rule our 

 cultivated pineapples rarely produce perfect seed without cross- 

 pollination. As Burbidge says: "This sterility having been favored 

 during the past two centuries owing to the almost invariable method 

 of propagating from' offsets or suckers." But artificial crossing of 

 distinct types seems invariably to develop perfect seeds. The seeds 

 are but little larger than those of millet, kidney-shaped, brown in 

 color. They are enclosed in small ear-like cells under the recurved 

 bracts at the top of the fruit. With modern American knowledge 

 in regard to natural and artifical cross-pollination it is quite possible 

 to produce seedling varieties that will combine the vigor of a given 

 variety with the size and quality of fruit of another. This is now 

 being done by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. In addition, 

 something may be gained by seedling production in Florida in the way 

 of exact .adaptation to climate. 



VARIETIES OF THE PINEAPPLE. 



Abachi (Abakkd). Size medium to large, oblong; color when ripe 

 golden yellow. Quite a tall, growing plant with narrow dark-green 

 and purple-tinged leaves; quality very good, but not best for ship- 

 ping, as it is quite tender and easy to bruise. Brazil. 



Albert, Prince. Large, conical ; quality of flesh best. A leading 

 variety under shed culture, and the ripened fruit brings the highest 

 price in the coast cities. 



Beatrice, Lady. Large, conical; quality best. An old English 

 variety grown in lower Florida and in Cuba. 



Black Antigua. Large, oblong, color rather dark; quality best. 

 Grown on the lower Keys of Florida and in Cuba. 



Black Prince. Large, conical; color dark; quality best. Grown 

 on the lower Keys of Florida and in Cuba. 



