Early-started fruit will now be swelling rapidly towards mature size; and when it is an object to get them ripe as soon as possible, they may now be pushed on with a high temperature, but let it be principally derived from sun-heat. May is one of the best, if not the very best month in the year for swelling off Pines well and quickly. Generally it is not so hot and scorching as the succeeding summer months, and less air is required, and the pineries can be shut up earlier, be freely supplied with moisture, and a high temperature for a longer period in the afternoons, than is practicable in the hotter part of the season. Taking advantage of these circumstances, the heat may run up to about 100° for an hour or two after 4 p.m. There must be a corresponding amount of moisture supplied to the air, sprinkling the plants and fruit; but syringing must not be carried to excess, or the result will be tall unsightly crowns. When the fruit begins to change colour, withhold water at the root, and keep the air drier.

At this season, and especially when more Pines begin to colour at the same time than is sufficient for the demand, I have frequently removed them into a vinery where Grapes have been colouring, which retards them without severely checking them; and the additional air required by the Grapes is also favourable to good-flavouring Pines. Plants just showing fruit require careful attention in the way of watering, and must not be allowed to get too dry at the root, otherwise a serious check will be the result. See that they are supplied as steadily as possible with a bottom-heat of 85° to 90°. Smooth Cayennes, and other winter-fruiting varieties that have been encouraged to grow since the early part of March and that are now strong, and having well filled their pots with roots, may, towards the end of May, be kept cooler and slightly drier to mature their growth and rest them for a time before starting them. In applying these conditions, it is better to shade lightly for a few hours in the heat of the day than to air more freely, which, in summer, is apt to brown and stunt the plants, instead of resting and concentrating their energy. By the middle of the month succession stock, shifted two or three months ago, will be growing freely and will require great attention.

Increase the moisture in the air in proportion to the increased light and progress of the plants; but avoid heavy syringings, which have a tendency to induce a soft weakly growth, as well as to keep the soil in a puddle. The latter evil is one of the most fatal and common enemies that Pines have to contend with. The soil should be carefully watched and kept moist, but not wet. Do not allow the temperature to run up too high before putting air on in the morning,and then put on full air all at once. This subjects the plants to the violent fluctuation from a hot vapour-bath to a current of cold dry air. In bright mornings put on a little air at 7 o'clock, and gradually increase it with the rising of the sun till 12 o'clock. Let the shutting up be gradual too - reducing the air early instead of leaving it full on till later in the day. Keep the fires low on sunny days. Hot pipes and a scorching sun should never go together in Pine-culture. In a general way shading succession Pines is not desirable. It is sometimes necessary, especially in the case of Cayennes when growing fast; and after a continuance of dull weather, it is better to shade lightly for an hour or too than to allow the leaves to get browned and wiry.

When, as is frequently the case, very dull weather is succeeded by very bright weather, the air should be more plentifully supplied with moisture than at any other time, as a preservative of the dark-green hue which is always so desirable to be seen in Pines.