306 On cultivating the Pine-apple. 



my object being, that each plant may lay its leaves in their 

 natural position, without being interfered with by the adjacent 

 ones. Many think this a sacrifice of space ; but I have found 

 we always obtain both healthier and more robust plants, and 

 much better fruit. 



I use deep pots, and have them, as much as possible, 

 plunged quite up to the rims. My best pines in the last 

 potting are left unfilled up ; and in the spring I pull off a few 

 of the lower leaves, remove part of the exhausted soil, and 

 add about five inches of fresh compost, with a quart of bone 

 dust extra, to each plant. This application gives great fertility 

 at the time the plant is fruiting, and saves the danger and in- 

 convenience of potting, tying up, &c. 



I continue my attention to every plant till it has perfected 

 its fruit ; never huddling any plants together, under the idea 

 that they will fruit off just as well. 



With respect to giving air, I never admit any into the 

 house where the plants are in fruit, until the thermometer 

 indicates 80°. The succession house having vines in it, I 

 must, of course, give air to suit them, which is generally such 

 as suits the pines also. 



During bright sunshine I keep the walks always wet. 



I consider it of importance to have, at least, two fruiting- 

 houses ; one for plants in fruit for winter, and the other for 

 those for summer. By keeping them separate, the plants in 

 fruit (especially in winter) can be properly syringed, watered, 

 and kept at a higher temperature than would be prudent if 

 they were mixed with those intended to fruit the spring 

 following. 



I am afraid I have lengthened this article too much ; but 

 you will admit the importance of the subject, and agree that 

 minuteness, however tedious it may appear, is necessary to 

 the proper care of this excellent vegetable. I have sent you, 

 herewith, a journal and register to which I refer, and shall be 

 happy if any of your readers shall derive any information 

 from my communication. I am. Sir, yours, &c. 



Thomas Appleby. 



Journal. 



I SHALL now detail to you all the operations in pine culture 

 for this year, as they were performed daily. Considerable 

 repetition in words, as in the actions, must unavoidably occur. 

 To some, perhaps, this journal may be of more service than 

 general observations. Young gardeners would find it advan- 

 tageous to copy it, and compare the different modes adopted 

 at other places with the one here described. I do not say 



