PINE-APPLE—FRUITING-HOUSE. 359 
Further, it is not a mere suspension of vegetation, other- 
wise fruit would be produced by every plant which has had 
the roots cut from it in the manner noticed above. 
Lastly, it is probable that the proper check consists in a 
transition from growth, however slight, to a temporary 
suspension of vegetation, which again is followed: by a 
copious flow: of the sap, circumstances which, as might be 
easily shown, occur both.in the.winter and summer start- 
ing.. If these imperfect observations be correct, it follows 
that starting isa natural process, requiring certain condi- 
tions in the staté of the plant, and therefore not to be 
forced by violent treatment, or any sudden changes in tem- 
perature and watering. | ; 
After the plants have shown ‘fruit, they are’ never 
shifted ; but the surface-soil may be removed, and replacéd 
by a little fresh and rich compost. Water 1s supplied 
from time to time as necessity requires; but it is impossi- 
ble to give any definite rule on this subject. The observ- 
ant gardener will soon, from experience, discover the proper 
measure. Water should never be given in a colder state 
than the average temperature of the house; when, there- 
fore, there is no tank within the house, the watering-pots 
should be filled, and left in the house for some time before 
the water be applied. FFire-heat is kept up either contin- 
uously or at intervals, during the greater part of the sea- 
sun. It should always be moderate, never exceeding, by 
itself, 70°. During sunshine, the temperature may range 
from 70° to 100°. The greater proportion there is of sun- 
heat the better. Whilst the fruit is swelling, care must 
be taken to carry on the growth of the plant with equabil- 
ity and moderation. Violent ‘checks are pernicious ; they 
debilitate the stalk, and cause a stringiness in the fruit. 
As the fruit approaches maturity, water is gradually with- 
