On the whole, we must suspend our opinion on this subject; or rather conclude that it is more probable, Mr. Oldacre is mistaken in thinking the culture he gives to the plants in both houses the same, than that the single circumstance of a metallic roof on one of them, should make such difference in its produce. This report, which had been made current at the Horticultural Society, excited the attention of Sir Thomas Baring, who, having an extensive range of metallic hot-houses, at East Stratton Park, his seat in Hampshire, soon afterwards sent a very fine Pine Apple to the Society, to be tasted at one of their meetings. At this meeting we were present, but though we tasted of this Pine Apple, yet not having sufficient opportunity of comparing it with any other, we could not discern any difference. When a great many fruits are tasted in rapid succession, and of each such small portions as hardly to afford its real taste, the impression on the palate is evanescent; or at any rate, it is not, perhaps, too much to say, that under such circumstances, it is difficult to form a solid judgment. SECT. XV. _Culture of the Pine Apple, by William Townsend Aiton, Esq., gardener to the King, at Kew and Kensington._ It is only within the last four years, that the Pine culture, in the royal gardens, has been above mediocrity; before 1817, and as far back as we have had an opportunity of observing, they were in a very poor state, those at Kew more particularly. At present, the Pines in both the gardens mentioned, are equal to any within ten miles of London; and, with the exception of the New Providence, Black Antigua, and some other sorts, are not surpassed, even by those of Mr. Baldwin. The culture pursued in the royal gardens, is as simple as it is successful; and as economical as if the fruit were grown for the market by a commercial gardener. The whole does the highest credit to Mr. Aiton, and those whom he employs. [Illustration: 14] _Form of House._ The plants are struck, and brought forward in pits, or frames, (fig. 14.) constructed exactly in Mr. Baldwin’s manner, with this difference, that the sub-soil at Kensington being moist, they are raised on a small platform (_a_..._b_) above the surface, instead of being sunk under it, as Baldwin’s are. They have, also, the addition of a gutter in front (_c_), which, though at first sight it may appear trifling, yet, in practice, is of very material consequence, by keeping the lining dry, and not chilling and interrupting the heat in the very part where it should penetrate to the interior of the pit. [Illustration: 15]