to the Roots of Plants. '24 5 



month of September or beginning of October, when they are 

 to be lifted, disrooted, and potted in rather under-sized pots. 

 They are then to be plunged in leaves over the hot-air 

 chamber, in the pit prepared for them, and kept there till 

 February or so, when larger pots are provided, into which they 

 are shifted, and then transferred to the fruiting-stove. 



Nov/, with respect to the culture of the pine-apple, notwith- 

 standing the many able instructions we have from British as well 

 as foreign horticulturists thereon, I would, with due deference, 

 make a few remarks. I think that a strong enough line of dis- 

 tinction has not been drawn between the structure best adapted 

 for the growth, and the structure best adapted for the fruiting, 

 of the plant; I mean as regards circumstances of heat and 

 moisture, light, air, and exposure, &c. During the season of 

 growth, close compact low pits, well supplied with heat and 

 moisture, and a moderate quantity of light and air, are, I con- 

 ceive, indispensable for the vigorous growth of the plant ; whilst, 

 for the purpose of fruiting it, a very powerful transition is, I 

 think, required, namely, a house so constructed as to be capable 

 of the utmost command of heat, light, and air; a house some 

 part of whose roof should, some time every day of the year, be 

 at right angles with the sun : for I maintain that it is impossible 

 to obtain that high degree of flavour of which the pine is sus- 

 ceptible, unless we so expose it; and when fruited in low flat 

 pits, as is so frequently done, I equally maintain that superior 

 excellence of flavour cannot be obtained ; and why ? simply 

 because the ripening principle, so essentially depending upon 

 heat, light, and air, cannot, under such circumstances, if I may 

 so speak, be accumulated ; certainly, by no means to the same 

 amount as they are under a suitably disposed, well ventilated, 

 curvilinear roof. It is possibly true, that perhaps larger fruit 

 may be grown in such pits than under the circumstances I 

 describe, but that is yet to be proved ; and although this should 

 turn out to be the case, what, I would ask, is an overgrown 

 fruit ? Not much better than a turnip, compared with one of 

 moderate size that has excellence of flavour. Who is it that 

 would not much rather prefer the latter ? Such, very briefly, are 

 the principles upon which I recommend the culture of the pine- 

 apple ; and, so far as I have gone at present, I feel thoroughly 

 satisfied of their correctness, simplicity, and economy. Nor 

 have I arrived at these conclusions without some experience, 

 much observation, consideration, and care ; for, as a professional 

 man, I hope I sufficiently feel my responsibility to the public at 

 large, not to mislead by any statements that from time to time I 

 may advance on such matters ; my object in all cases being, 

 however short I may come, faithfully and fearlessly to discharge 

 my duty. 



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