CHAP. II. 



OF THE VARIETIES OF THE PINE APPLE. 



OF the Pine Apple, as of most other fruits that 

 have been long in cultivation, there are many 

 varieties. The principal part of those cultivated 

 in this country have been obtained from the West 

 India islands ; but some also have been raised in 

 this country from seed. 



Speechly states, that, in the year 1 76$, ne raised 

 seventy plants from seeds that were sent to the 

 Duke of Portland from the West Indies, most of 

 which varied distinctly either in the leaves or fruit, 

 but the quality of the latter was very inferior. 



The most esteemed varieties in present culti- 

 vation are : 



1. The Old Queen. Fruit oval-shaped, and of 

 a gold colour. Esteemed the hardiest kind, and 

 fruited in fifteen or eighteen months. The fruit 

 grows to a large size, often weighing from three to 

 four pounds. It is much more certain of shewing 

 fruit at a proper age and season than most of the 

 other sorts, and has a just preference in most hot- 

 houses. 



