My references from Washington included one to the pioneer of a new 

 system of pineapple cultivation. Acres of sheds were constructed by this 

 pioneer (Mr. Russeli) and he commatided success. This system of culti- 

 vation is now exclusively adopted at Orlando, partly to afiord protection 

 from frost and partly to screen the pineries from the burning sun. Thus 

 ' kumerous pineries, ranging in size frpm one to twelve acres, are closely 

 boarded all round 7 to 8 feet high. At regular distances posts are placed 

 some 12ft. apart, on which are fixed connecting rods ; on these are placed 

 narrow rafters, between each of whiph a space similar in width is left for 

 the admission of light. Through these spaces the light is admitted in 

 glittering rays of sunshine, ample, it is abundantly- proved, for the well- 

 being of the plants. A still more remarkable feature of cultivation is de- 

 monstrated under these sheds, one that further exemplifies the conetitu- 

 tional flexibility of this plant. During several months of winter when 

 frost is dreaded, when every hour of night is watched for possible disaster 

 by all concerned, the whole of this shed structure is covered with canvas, 

 sometimes even with laths fitted in the interstices of the fixed roof laths, 

 with the result that all the plants in the interior are shrouded in compa- 

 rative darkness for several months. Within this covered roof when the 

 thermometer falls to about 40° in a two (acre pinery a hundred fires are 

 lighted, sometimes stoves. The smoke from the fires combats the frost, 

 though the plants frequently suffer from the smoke. 



In one instance last winter one of the best groweis risked his one and a 

 half acre pinery throughout the winter without using canvas. He expe- 

 rienced many a sleepless night, but there was no frost, and he said he had 

 stolen a march upon his neighbours from the fact that his plants looked 

 much better than those that were covered. However the other pineries 

 that were darkened, bore crops just as well as his. Thus the dark treat- 

 ment does not affect the accommodating powers of the plant. 



The cultivation under sheds is a remarkable success, it is not only per- 

 fect garden cultivation, but it rivals the most skilfully conducted green- 

 house cultivation. Nine thousand are planted to the acre, every plant 

 practically speaking flourishes. It is not uncommon to see a pinery with 

 95 per cent, bearing fruit. The average is 80 per cent. The soil is an im- 

 portant factor. It is nearly all sand containing as it does from 96 to 98 

 per cent, of silica. The growers furnish all the food by fertilizers which 

 bring forth luxuriant crops. The fertilizers are manipulated and applied 

 with scientific precision, just what is desired to ensure complete produc- 

 tiveness. 



There are altogether about 200 acres of ^cultivation under sheds. Large 

 extensions are made annually. At the time of my visit there was one appli- 

 cation for 100,000 suckers. A one-acre or a two-acre shed (and there are 

 many such) is considered a lucrative investment for a small capitalist. The 

 larger cultivators have sheds occupying from 5 to 12 acres each. 



The cost of erecting sheds per acre averages fully $300 and for the can- 

 vas as much more. They last about 7 years. Suckers cost 10 cents each, 

 9,000 per acre ($900). The fertilizers cost about |100 per acre annually. 

 Thus an acre costs fully $2,000 on the first crop. The first crop in about 

 20 months covers all expenses. The range of prices obtained is from 20 to 

 75 cents each. This is for " fancy" fruit, practically all Smooth Cayenne. 

 The net profit is stated to be about 40 per cent. The leading cultivators 

 nett more than $3 per crate averaging 1 6 fruits. Some of the growers re- 

 plant, after reaping each crop, some after two crops. 



Throughout the year, even during the cool seasou, the sun shines with 

 tropical brilliancy. During most of the year the temperature approximates 

 to that experienced in Jamaica. During my stay it was higher than it is in 



