FRUITS VARIETIES AND CULTURE. 611 



PINEAPPLES. — ( Ananassa saliva.) 



There are at least twenty varieties of the pineapple 

 cultivated in Florida, but the following are considered to 

 be the standard forms. 



Cayenne (smooth). — Conical form, above medium in 

 size, yellow color, best quality in taste. The plant pro- 

 duces broad leaves, almost free from spines, which is a 

 great advantage in its cultivation. It does not yield 

 slips, and it is therefore difficult to propagate. 



Egyptian Queen. — Fruit medium size, conical, yellow 

 color; excellent quality. This plant is also cultivated for 

 market purposes, but on a limited extent. 



Pernambugo. — leather small, oblong, yellow in color, 

 and of excellent quality. 



Porto Rico. — Is a general favorite; the fruit is large, 

 round, yellow with a good flavor, but not equal to the 

 last two. The plant is robust and produces well; it 

 is an excellent shipping fruit. The plant forms an abund- 

 ance of suckers and slips. 



Ripley Queen. — Medium size, conical, yellow in color, 

 and very good quality. 



Red Spanish. — Also called " Black Spanish/' " Ha- 

 vana," " Strawberry," " Scarlet Key," etc. It is generally 

 cultivated for the market, although it is not equal to the 

 other varieties in flavor. It is, however, hardy, easier to 

 cultivate and stands the varying conditions better. The 

 size of the fruit is medium, round, yellowish red in color. 



In propagating the pineapple several methods are 

 used. 



1. From suckers, which grow near the base of the 

 plant. 



2. From " rattoons," which are the buds below the sur- 

 face of the ground shooting up into suckers. 



