210 TlMEHRl. 



south of 29 degrees. The ordinary temperature varies 

 from 40 to 86°. In the more northern parts it some- 

 times falls to 27 and even lower. 



The principal fruits raised in the most Southern States 

 of America are pines, mangos, bananas, oranges, guavas, 

 and figs. 



Pine apple cultivation was begun in Florida in i860, 

 when slips were imported from Havana and planted on 

 one of the numerous keys or islets off the coast of 

 Florida. The experiment was so successful that the 

 industry grew rapidly, and the acreage planted in pines 

 is now very extensive. Even a slight frost is, however, 

 detrimental to this plant, and in some localities the pines 

 are protected by sheds of palm leaves. In 1886 the 

 crops on the mainland were destroyed by cold, and those 

 on the keys suffered in quantity and quality. An out- 

 break oi yellow fever in the same year at Key West, 

 which lies off the southern point of Florida, and is one of 

 the chief depots of the shipping trade, interrupted busi- 

 ness for some weeks at a critical time, and tons of rotten 

 fruit had to be destroyed by the sanitary authorities. 



It appears that growers as a rule are satisfied with 

 selling their pines at five cents each. But different 

 kinds bring different prices, and while "Red Spanish" 

 fetch 25 to 50 cents per dozen, " Sugar-loaves" com- 

 mand $1.20, and " Porto Ricos" are worth 50 cents each. 

 The red Spanish pine above referred to is described 

 as a short fruit, bulging in the middle and ruddy yellow 

 when ripe. The Sugar-loaf is pyramidal in shape, and 

 pale green, changing to a fine yellow, with an exquisite 

 flavour. The Porto Rico attains a weight of d to 15 lbs. 

 and ha^> a delicious taste. 



