238 On the Cultivation of Pine Apples, 



them push out fresh roots. In setting the pots, give plenty 

 of room to the plants, for they will make considerable pro- 

 gress after this potting. When the setting is finished, give 

 a little water, to settle the mould ; the plants will not require 

 any more for ten days or a fortnight after. Keep the house 

 rather warm, to make them root freely, and then water 

 whenever they appear dry, which is the best criterion to go 

 by in the autumn and winter months. Give plenty of air 

 whenever the weather permits, and sprinkle with water when 

 the bark bed and house become dry. 



Begin fire heat when the internal heat of the house in the 

 morning falls below 60°, keeping between that and 65° to 

 the middle of January, when a rise of 5° will be necessary. 

 Watering often freely will encourage the plants to grow, 

 and to shew their fruit strongly in March and April, when 

 they will require to be moved from the bed, that a little 

 fresh tan may be added, in order to raise the plants nearer 

 the glass. Fork the bed over two forks deep, keeping the 

 fresh tan quite at the bottom of the pit, and then level the 

 surface. Before the plants are replaced, three or four of their 

 bottom leaves should be stript off, and a little of the old mould 

 taken from the surface of the pots, and replaced with fresh 

 mould, raised quite to the tops of the pots. When the plants 

 are returned into the bed, plunge the pots to half their depth 

 only (this should be observed at all other settings, as there 

 is nothing so injurious to a Pine plant as too much bottom 

 heat) giving plenty of room and a gentle watering. Keep the 

 house rather warm for the first week, till the heat of the bed 

 returns. Give air whenever the weather will permit, watering 

 about twice a week in hot dry weather, and sprinkle with 



