APR.] PINE-APPLES. 383 



cause they rob it of nourishment to a certain ex- 

 tent. If the object be to have large fruit, all suck- 

 ers of the root, and all but two or three of the best 

 of those rising from between the leaves, should be 

 destroyed. Those of the root may easily be twist- 

 ed off j and the others may be destroyed, or be pre- 

 vented from growing farther, by breaking out their 

 heart leaves, which is no difficult matter, while they 

 are young, being then brittle. 



But if the increase of the stock be the object, all 

 suckers of the stem should be encouraged, and even 

 some of the best of those from the root. These last, 

 however, are more apt to become untimely-fruiting 

 plants, than the others, or than crowns ; especially 

 such as rise from the extended roots, about the mar- 

 gin of the pot. It may also be observed of these 

 last, that they are generally ill-hearted, and more 

 unshapely than such as rise nearer to the stem of the 

 plant. 



HOT-BEDS. 



Of forcing Cucumbers and Melons. 

 If an ordinary degree of success have attended 

 the process of forcing these plants, if the weather 1 

 have been pretty favourable, and if the directions 

 given in the preceding months have been followed, 

 (perhaps improved), cucumbers will be fit to cut 

 for use about the beginning of the month ; and the 

 melon plants will be shewing fruit abundantly, if 



