OF THE PINE-APPLE. 



283 



and the letting down the glasses a little way, even 

 for a few minutes in the middle of the day, will 

 sometimes do that business, especially when there 

 is a little sun, and some wind. At this season 

 there is not the least necessity to have regard to 

 the words give air on the thermometer, for a little 

 air may safely be admitted, although the spirits 

 should not rise higher than six or eight degrees 

 above the point temperate. 



But during the summer, when the weather is 

 warm and fine, air should be admitted very plen- 

 tifully. It will cause the plants to grow with 

 broad leaves, and their stems will be stiff and strong, 

 provided proper room be given them in the bed. 

 Such plants generally produce large well-swelled 

 fruit. 



In many places it is customary to shut up the 

 hot-house at six o'clock in the evening, let the 

 weather be ever so warm and fine, that business 

 being frequently left to the care of labourers, who 

 leave their work in most gardens at the above 

 hour. In the months of May 2 June, and July, the 

 sun has great power in an evening after the 

 above hour ; when, if the house has no air, the 

 heat in it will soon be raised to such a degree as 

 to cause the plants to grow tall and weak, and 

 prevent the fruit from swelling. 



In a hot season I frequently let the hot-house 

 have air during the whole night, and sometimes 

 for many weeks together. But when this is done, 

 the glasses should be left in such a manner as to 



