OF THE PINE-APPLE. 



257 



fine rich mould within one inch of the top, and 

 plunged in a warm part of the tan-bed, a day or 

 two before the seed is sown, that the mould 

 may become warm. The seeds should be sown 

 one inch apart, and covered about a quarter of an 

 inch with the same mould as that in the pots. 

 Then the pots should be immediately covered 

 with a piece of glass, which should fit the tops 

 very close ; this, by preventing the mould from 

 drying, and giving an additional heat to it near 

 the surface, will soon cause the seeds to vegetate. 

 Neither air nor water will be required till the 

 plants begin to appear, when a little air should be 

 given in the day-time only ; let the plants be 

 sprinkled over with water every four or fiye days, 

 in case the weather is fine and clear $ but should 

 it prove dark and moist, once in ten days will be 

 sufficient. As the plants advance in size, a greater 

 quantity of air should be given them in propor- 

 tion to their progress, and by the time they have 

 six or eight leaves, they will have strength to 

 withstand the general air of the hot-house ; and 

 from that time will require a little water twice a 

 week. 



The first leaves of seedling Pines are very small 

 and tender, much resembling the smallest blades 

 of grass ; the plants therefore should by no means 

 be left uncovered till they have acquired strength, 

 as the Onisci or Wood-lice (with which most hot- 

 houses abound) would in one night destroy the 

 hopes of the crop. It will also be advisable, whep 



