40 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



longer period of sun-heat and moisture in the after- 

 noon than when the sun is more powerful, and when 

 it is not safe to damp and shut up before four o'clock. 

 Advantage should therefore be taken of these circum- 

 stances, and the fruit pushed on, when it is an object 

 to get them ripe as soon as possible. Under these 

 circumstances, the heat may be run up to from 90 

 to 100 for an hour or two, and the air loaded with 

 moisture. Syringing must not, however, be to excess, 

 or the result will be large crowns and an undue 

 growth of suckers, to the detriment of the size and 

 appearance of the fruit. 



When the fruit begins to change colour, which, if 

 the plants have been set agoing in January, will be 

 in the end of May or early in June, it is necessary, 

 in order to get highly-flavoured fruit, to increase the 

 amount of air, and decrease the moisture both in the 

 air and the soil. Indeed, as soon as the fruit is half 

 coloured, no more water should be given than is 

 necessary to keep the plants from suffering, and the 

 moisture of the atmosphere should be gradually with- 

 drawn. At the same time, avoid starving them into 

 maturity. 



RETAEDING AND KEEPING PINE-APPLES AFTER 

 THEY ARE RIPE. 



When a greater number of pines begin to ripen at 

 any given time than is necessary to supply the de- 

 mand, it then becomes desirable that a portion of 

 them should be retarded to form a succession of fruit 

 in good condition. In the absence of a compartment 

 specially for the purpose, I have frequently placed 

 them in a vinery where grapes were nearly ripe, and 



