THE PINE APPLE. 139 



mediocrity; before 1817, and as far back as we 

 have had an opportunity of observing, they were 

 in a very poor state, those at Kew more particu- 

 larly. At present, the Pines in both the gardens 

 mentioned, are equal to any within ten miles of 

 London ; and, with the exception of the New 

 Providence, Black Antigua, and some other sorts, 

 are not surpassed, even by those of Mr. Baldwin. 

 The culture pursued in the royal gardens, is as 

 simple as it is successful ; and as economical as if 

 the fruit were grown for the market by a commer- 

 cial gardener. The whole does the highest credit 

 to Mr. Aiton, and those whom he employs. 



Form of House. The plants are struck, and 

 brought forward in pits, or frames, (fig. 14.) con- 



structed exactly in Mr. Baldwin's manner, with 

 this difference, that the sub-soil at Kensington 

 being moist, they are raised on a small platform 

 (#...) above the surface, instead of being sunk 

 under it, as Baldwin's are. They have, also, the 

 addition of a gutter in front ( c ), which, though at 

 first sight it may appear trifling, yet, in practice, 

 is of very material consequence, by keeping the 

 lining dry, and not chilling and interrupting the 



