236 On the Cultivation of Pine Apples. 



patting the bed firm and even, as each row is planted. When 

 this work is finished, shut the lights down, and let them remain 

 closed for five or six days, but if the heat comes up very strong, 

 a little air should be given. Shade with mats, if there be hot 

 sun shine, but if the weather is dull, this will not be necessary. 

 The heat within the frame must be kept to 70° and very 

 little fresh air, except as above directed, should be admitted 

 during the first fortnight. At the end of that time, the plants 

 will be rooting freely, and will require more air to be given 

 gradually, at favourable opportunities. 



Through the winter, apply dung linings, to keep the inter- 

 nal air between 50° and 60° and protect the glass with mats 

 during the night. If the bed should get very dry, give a 

 gentle watering over the surface. No other care or atten- 

 tion will be necessary till March, the roots will then have run 

 nearly over the surface of the bed, and consequently the plants 

 will require potting. 



Having previously prepared a pit for their reception, filled 

 with tan or leaves, and got it to such a temperature that it 

 will feel gently warm to the hand, take up the plants, and put 

 them into pots of about six inches diameter for the largest 

 suckers, reducing the dimensions of the pots according to the 

 size of the plants. Leave on all the roots, and strip off three 

 or four of the bottom leaves. Use deep potting, which is a 

 great advantage to Pine plants in all stages of their growth. 

 When the potting is finished and the plants are set in the pit, 

 shut the lights down close, letting them remain so from four 

 to eight days, shading in hot sun shine. At the end of 

 that period, give a little water, and discontinue the shading, 

 keeping the temperature of the top heat, that is, the air with* 



