OF THE PINE-APPLE* 



305 



let them remain in the heap for five or six weeks, 

 by which time they are properly prepared for the 

 hot-house. In getting them into the Pine-pits, if 

 they appear dry, we water them again, treading 

 them in layers exceedingly well till the pits are 

 quite full. We then cover the whole with tan to 

 the thickness of two inches, and tread it well till 

 the surface become smooth and even. On this 

 we place the Pine-pots in the manner they are to 

 stand, beginning with the middle row first, and 

 filling up the spaces between the pots with tan. 

 In like manner we proceed to the next row till the 

 whole be finished ; and this operation is performed 

 in the same manner as when tan only is used. 



After this the leaves require no farther trouble 

 the whole season through, as they will retain a 

 constant and regular heat for twelve months with- 

 out either stirring or turning ; and if L may form 

 a judgment from their appearance when taken out, 

 (being always entire and perfect) it is probable 

 they would continue their heat through a second 

 year ; but as an annual supply of leaves here is 

 easily obtained, such a trial with us is hardly worth 

 the trouble of making. However, as a saving in 

 leaves may be an agreeable object in places where 

 they are less plentiful, I was induced to make the 

 following experiments. In 1777 j one of the Pine- 

 pits was filled with one part of old and two parts 

 new leaves, well mixed together. And the next 

 year (1778) one pit was filled with old and new 

 leaves in equal quantities. In both these expert 



