220 PROPAGATION. 



also gives a chance of seeing- the flowers and fruit 

 sooner than they might appear on an unworked plant. 

 Tropical fruit trees seldom show flowers in our collec- 

 tions, because there is not sufficient space allowed 

 them for that expansion of branches which usually 

 precedes the production of fruit : therefore, whatever 

 tends to diminish their natural stature, and expedite 

 their flowering, is a requisite point of good manage- 

 ment. 



Pine-apples we can have in this country in as 

 great, if not greater perfection than in their native 

 climate ; and this because they are not a tree fruit, 

 require but little space, and quickly arrive at full 

 age. The peach, grape, and fig, are almost naturalised, 

 and need only the protection of a wall assisted by a 

 glass case to ripen them. The orange and its affinities 

 require only to be defended from frost. But the 

 mango, mangosteen, jambosteen, cherimoyer, and 

 several other excellent tropical fruits have not had 

 in Europe, perhaps, that management of which they 

 are susceptible, nor care bestowed which they deserve, 

 and which, doubtless, would effect their maturation 

 in our pineries, or, in what would be better, a stove 

 constructed for the purpose. It is among these last 

 mentioned fruit trees, that the skill of the gardener 

 with his knife and working operations (i. e. grafting 

 and budding) would effectuate so desirable a result 5 

 and the practicability of such manoeuvres only requires 

 to be mentioned to induce proprietors who have the 

 taste and means, and the gardener who has opportu- 



