394 FORCING DEPARTMENT. 



justly observes, " that if Pines are not cut before they 

 are fully coloured, that is, just when the fruit is of a 

 greenish yellow, or straw colour, they fall off greatly 

 in flavour and richness; and that sharp luscious 

 taste, so much admired, becomes insipid." This 

 fruit is frequently retarded for a considerable time, 

 by the removing of the plants to a cool airy situation, 

 just as the Pines begin to colour, whereby they 

 will retain their flavour longer than if separated 

 from the plants ; but this should only be resorted to 

 when it is necessary to prolong their ripening for 

 any particular occasion. As the Pines are cut from 

 the mother plant, the greater portion of the old leaves 

 should be cleared away from the stems, to allow a 

 free circulation of air and sun to the suckers, which 

 will considerably promote their maturity : these 

 may be left attached to the stem, until the greater 

 portion of the first crop or succession of fruit is cut, 

 when it will be necessary to remove the stools, in 

 order to make room for those plants in the succession 

 pits that are intended for a supply of fruit in 

 Autumn. 



When all the old stools are cleared out of this 

 department, and such fruit as is still remaining 

 unripe removed, the bed of leaves will require to be 

 turned over previous to plunging the plants in it, 

 which will then maintain a sufficient heat for the 

 maturity of the fruit. The plants thus removed, 

 and such as are in a forward state, should be 

 selected and replunged at one end of the Pinery, 

 where their places may, as their fruit is cut, be 

 readily got at to place succeeding plants in. The tern- 



