40 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



Under these circumstances, the heat may be run up to 

 from 90° to 100° for an hour or two, and the air loaded 

 with moisture. Syringinc; mxist not, however, be to 

 excess, or the result will be large crowns and an undue 

 growth of suckers, to the detriment of the size and 

 appearance of the fruit. 



When the fruit begins to change colour, which, if the 

 plants have been set agoing in January, will be in the 

 end of May or early in June, it is necessary, in order 

 to get highly-flavoured fruit, to increase the amount of 

 air, and decrease the moisture both in the air and soil. 

 Indeed, as soon as the fruit is half coloured, no more 

 water should be given than is necessary to keep the 

 plants from suffering, and the moisture of the atmo- 

 sphere should be gradually withdrawn. At the same 

 time, avoid starving them into maturity. 



KETAEDING ASD KEEPING PINE-APPLES AFTEK 

 THEY ARE EIPE. 



When a greater number of pines begin to ripen at 

 any given time than is necessaiy to supply the demand, 

 it then becomes desirable that a portion of them should 

 be retarded to form a succession of fruit in good condi- 

 tion. In the absence of a compartment specially for 

 the purpose, I have frequently placed them in a vinery 

 where grapes were nearly ripe, and where the temperature 

 was comparatively cool, with a circulg,tion of dry air. In 

 such a place, pines that have begun to colour ripen 

 slowly, and they are excellent in flavour. The cool dry 

 air of the vinery, and the shade of the vines, are good 

 retarding conditions ; and this is as good a way, apart 

 from having a place for the purpose, as any that I have 



