2 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



The superior ciiltivation of the pine-apple has always 

 been regarded as one of the greatest triumphs of hor- 

 ticulturists. Improved practice is perhaps as much 

 apparent in pine-culture as in any branch of horticul- 

 ture. Superior results are now attained in eighteen 

 months to what it required twice that time to produce 

 in the recollection of the writer. To Mr James Barnes, 

 late gardener at Bicton Park, Devonshire, we are in- 

 debted for exposing and discontinuing the erroneous 

 practice of annually disrooting pine plants, and subject- 

 ing them to too high a soil temperature. This was the 

 first step in contracting the period considered necessary 

 to bring the pine-apple to maturity. And of more re- 

 cent date is the very general cultivation of the pine- 

 apple in much smaller pots than were used some thirty- 

 five years ago : and where the pot system is practised, 

 the use of smaller pots makes them more easily man- 

 aged, and at less expense. 



PINERIES. 



That which naturally claims attention first in treat- 

 ing on the cultivation of the pine-apple is, the descrip- 

 tion of houses or pineries which afford the greatest con- 

 venience and facilities for first-rate cultivation, their 

 situation, and the exposure which they should occupy. 



The situation should be one well sheltered from 

 cutting winds, and having a fuU south aspect. There 

 is nothing that necessitates hard firing to keep up a 

 given temperature more than exposure to high winds ; 

 and the atmosphere will be the more conducive to 

 healthy growth the less firing is required to maintain 

 the heat. Therefore, shelter from north, east, and west 

 should be taken into consideration in the erection of 



