TIIK I'lXl-JAPPLE. 479 



It would now be difficult to trace the history of those under cultiva- 

 tion in Florida and the West India islands. In many cases tli" 

 varieties sent out from Euroi)e, originating under glass, have had 

 their original names changed in the West Indies and other tropical 

 climes. In open Kild oilture in the tropics it ajipears fliat very few, 

 if anv, of the l>e.st modern varieties have hcon originated. As well 

 known instances the Enville was grown from crossed seed l:;y tlic 

 gardener of the Earl of Stamford; liucks Glove Pine was raised from 

 crossed sci'd at Elford, England; the Dounton Havanna was grown 

 from crosst'd seed l>y Thomas A. Knight of England. As a rule our 

 cultivated pineapples rarely produce perfect seed without cross- 

 pollination. As Burbidge says: "This sterility having been fav(]red 

 during the past two centuries owing to the almost invariable method 

 of proi)agating from offsets or suckers." But artificial crossing of 

 distinct tyjics seems invarialjly to develop perfect seeds. The seeds 

 are but little larger than those of millet, kidney-shaped, brown in 

 color. They are enclosed in small ear-like cells under the recurved 

 bracts at the tol") of the fruit. With modern American knowledge 

 in regard to natural and artifical cross-poUination it is quite possible 

 to produce seedling varieties that will comljine tlie vigor of a given 

 variety with the size and (|uality of fruit of ancjfher. This is now 

 being done by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. In addition, 

 something may be gaineil by seedling production in Florida in the v>-aY 

 of exact adaptation to climate. 



VARIETIES OF THE PINEAPPBE. 



Abachi (Abnkka). — Size medium to large, oblong; color when ripe 

 golden yellow. Quite a tall, growing plant with narrow dark-green 

 and purple-tinged leaves; quality ^'cry good, but not l.iest for ship- 

 ping, as it is quite tender and easy to bruise. Brazil. 



Albert, Pr»;fc.— Barge, conical; quality of flesh l)est. A leading 

 variety untler shed culture, and the ripened fruit brings the highest 

 price in the coast cities. 



Beatrice, 7_>f/(///.— Barge, conical; quality best. An old English 

 variety grown in lower Florida and in Cuba. 



Black Antigua. — Barge, oblong, color rather dark; quality best. 

 Grown on the lower Keys of Florida and in Cuba. 



Black Prince. —Barge, conical; color dark; quality best. Grown 

 on the lower Keys of Florida and in Cuba, 



