70 DATEGROWING 



found on one after only five weeks in the bed. When 

 the rooting is once started, it is probable that the 

 temperature could be increased even to 150 F., and 

 the growth forced still more rapidly. As soon as they 

 are well rooted they can be transferred to the open 

 ground; and it is likely that four batches a year could 

 be run through the plant in this manner. The smallest 

 offshoots can be handled successfully; one of seven 

 ounces has succeeded, and small size would be par- 

 ticularly desirable because of the greater economy 

 in pots. It has been found in actual practice that a 

 small offshoot produces fruit as soon as a large one 

 does, in most instances. 



Mr. Drummond operates in a greenhouse with 

 glass roof, but considers this a disadvantage rather 

 than an advantage, as it keeps the top temperature 

 too high, and tends to stimulate leaf growth at the 

 expense of root growth. The plant could best be 

 established in a well lighted building which could be 

 easily opened to a free circulation of air when desired; 

 a canvas house, or a lath house with the laths set 

 rather closely together, would do well. Such a plant 

 is in reach of almost any cultivator, for a second-hand 

 boiler and pipe are quite sufficient to carry hot water. 

 It can be very cheaply operated, particularly in hot 

 weather, when the amount of fuel needed is 

 ridiculously small. 



The discussion of offshoots may well be closed 

 with a reference to the means of identifying them — 

 a question which always interests one who buys 

 offshoots from a foreign country, but also has its 

 practical value to the grower in handling the offshoots 

 of his own palms. The offshoots of all varieties differ 

 from each other, and in some cases the characteristics 



