196 FRUITS AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS 



WATERING 



Pines thri\e niucli better and make a more substantial growtii if tiiey are 

 kept on the dry side; they will not endure an over-supply of moisture at the 

 roots. Yet if they are healthy, especially during the Summer months, when 

 they should be making rapid headway, they will take considerably more moist- 

 ure than when in poor condition for want of the necessary bottom heat or atmos- 

 phere, or both; in this case they cannot evaporate any large quantity of moisture, 

 and too much of it then will favor decay. But enough water should be given 

 to moisten the bed from top to bottom; this soaking through is important, 

 for the bottom heat will absorb moisture, and merely a light watering will give 

 a moist surtacc, with a dry bottom, a combination that is by no means satis- 

 factory to the plant, and would bar e\entual success. Therefore, water thor- 

 oughly once, and no more until absolutely necessary. As during the Winter 

 the plants make slower progress they want less moisture at the roots, but they 

 will withstand a good supply of it in the atmosphere, in the way of dampening 

 down the walls, walks and all corners. Dry corners are a breeding place for 

 undesirable insects. While growth is less active in the short days, we must 

 remember that the Pineapple has no resting period, from the time the sucker 

 is planted until the fruit is matured; therefore, it should not be allowed to get 

 dried out to the extent of checking the growth. Moreover, during the Winter 

 months the water must be of about the same temperature as the house; there 

 is nothing worse than to apply cold water either to the roots or the foliage in 

 the Winter months, as this causes a chill. 



SHADING 



The pineapplchouse will withstand all the light and sun it can get during 

 four or five months of the Winter, but from Spring until Fall it must have a 

 light shade. This may be secured either with roller shades or by painting the 

 glass with naphtha and white lead, just enough to break the strong rays of the 

 sun; otherwise the foliage will burn and cause disfigurement, with serious dam- 

 age to the plant. Watch the foliage very closely in Spring, and as soon as it 

 turns a bit brown the shade should be given. Again in the Fall the foliage needs 

 attention. If naphtha and white lead is used, it should be removed by degrees, 

 to accustom the foliage gradually to the sunlight. This will avoid the risk of 

 scalding or disfigurement, that would remain as an eyesore all through the 

 Winter, aside from weakening the plant. 



FEEDING 



Feeding will depend on circumstances. If the roots are lively, more food 

 can be given, which will increase the size of tiic fruit. Every grower, of course, 

 wants fruit of the largest size, and this can be obtained only by perfect root 

 action and systematic feeding. Although I do not think it is wise to use much 

 liquid manure from the farmyard, yet it may be applied a couple of times to 



