27 



Ripeness, — The first sign of perfection in most 

 sorts is their assuming a golden yellow colour, though 

 some discover different tints peculiar to themselves ; 

 but the most certain sign of full growth and ripeness 

 is their fragrance. Let the fruit be gathered before 

 it becomes soft ; for if left until then, it would be 

 greatly diminished in its perfume and flavour. Cut 

 the fruit from the plant with four or five inches of the 

 stalk, preserving also its crown of leaves at the top. 

 To have it served up in the highest flavour, it should 

 be cut in a morning, and laid in a cool dry place till 

 wanted ; but its juice is always more poignant when 

 eaten the same or the next day ; though it may be 

 kept 6 or 8 days if required. It is generally served 

 to table with its crown of leaves on. {Griffin on Fine 

 Applcy 73.) 



Culture in Pots, — After the preceding directions 

 and observations applicable to both modes of plant- 

 ing, viz., in pots and in the beds of the stove, we will 

 now gather together separately the information appli- 

 cable to each mode. 



Growing and fruiting in pots has been the longest 

 practised, and there is no doubt that fruit in every 

 respect equal to that grown in the beds can be pro- 

 duced in this mode. It is also quite certain that, 

 where bark pits are used as a chief source of heat, 

 pot culture is to be preferred, for it enables the 

 bark to be renewed, stirred and mixed with a facility 



