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be increased in summer 10 or 20 degs. with benefit. 

 All larger plants should be kept at a higher tempera- 

 ture, say from 55 to 60 degs., and during the short 

 intervals of sunshine an increase of 20 degs. will be 

 highly advantageous, particularly when the young 

 fruit is in blossom, and even 80 degs. in muter, from 

 sun heat, if only for a very short period. It is by 

 no mieans necessary to keep them in a uniform regular 

 temperature, but to let it vary according to the exter- 

 nal air ; it is good to let them have comparative rest 

 in very dark, dull, cold weather.* It gives them vi- 

 gour, and they then feel the turn of the season to 

 greater advantage ; whereas, if forced into growth in 

 winter, it is at the expense of the strength and 

 health of the plants ; the leaves elongate without 

 firmness, and they become yellow for want of light. 

 Plants so treated can never be made good afterwards ; 



* Although it is by no means necessary to keep pine apple 

 plants in one uniform temperature, yet we cannot agree with 

 the stand-still system, during any period of their growth. In 

 the short days of winter we continue our plants' progress, 

 though not with midsummer rapidity, yet steadily and strongly, 

 with a robust fleshy foliage and strong roots. This is fully 

 maintained at Bicton, by applying the heat by linings from the 

 top part of the back and front walls of the pine pit, and less 

 humidity from the bottom ; by the application of abundance of 

 air daily, but mostly at night. We are in no fear of dampness 

 injui-ing the plants, or of their becoming weak, drawn, or 

 yellow. 



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