26 



trollable ones are size and condition of slip, cultivation, and fertiliza- 

 tion. The chief uncontrollable ones are the climatic conditions pre- 

 vailing after planting. As a rule, vigorous slips, 12 or more inches 

 long, large suckers, and large rattoons will produce fruit in one year 

 or less, depending upon conditions named above. Results, as far as 

 obtained from many experiments under way, indicate that it is better 

 to set younger plants, and wait a few months longer for the fruit, 

 because the rapidly maturing plants do not seem to have the vitality 

 and reserve force necessary for producing the largest and best fruit. 

 As to which will fruit first, a slip or a sucker, all depends upon con- 

 ditions of vigor, age of plant, and culture. Slips and suckers of the 

 same age and vigor, under the same growing conditions, will, as a 

 rule, show little or no difference, but according to data collected the 

 sucker usually produces fruit first, because it is often much more 

 advanced. Whether by culture and fertilizers as good fruit can be 

 produced in ten to twelve months as in fourteen to eighteen months 

 is a question for close investigation. Such a comparison should 

 include cost, the difference in time and culture, and the gain in quality 

 and size of the fruit. 



In those countries where there are climatic seasons, there is a dis- 

 tinct period for planting and a distinct period for fruiting, and such 

 was generally true in Porto Rico until within the past two or three 

 years. The demand for fruit caused plantings to be made at all 

 seasons with plants of all grades, and as a result fruit is maturing in 

 all months. It is even yet a question whether definite seasons will not 

 come again, but it is probable that a planter by varying the con- 

 trollable factors can mature most of his fruit at any desired time of 

 the year. From the marketing standpoint this is very important, for 

 he can thus mature his fruit at the season when the prices are best. 

 This will necessitate each planter's keeping careful and complete 

 records of his work and local conditions. 



MATURITY OF FRUIT. 



The proper degree of ripeness for gathering is very difficult to 

 describe, especially as the fruit begins to mature at base and at core 

 first, so that one portion of the fruit is riper than another. Much 

 depends also upon the length of time necessary to put the fruit 

 into the consumer's hands. 



There are several ways of judging the degree of ripeness. These are 

 the development of the crown, the slips, the eyes, the bracts or little 

 leaflets at the eyes, and the general color. As the pine ripens, the 

 crown opens out, the eyes flatten, and the margins round up; the 

 spaces between the eyes open and grow lighter in color ; and the little 

 leaflets wilt, then shrivel. As most fruit is picked quite green, only 

 much experience and testing will give one any degree of skill in 



