In the old world some of the best skill was employed in forcing fruits, but the introduction of steam is changing all this. Fruits from the tropics can be now transported toward the arctics nearly as good and at far less cost than the skilled gardener can raise them, and one of his most fascinating occupations is going, if not gone. In England the culture of the pine-apple still engages considerable attention, but last year the West Indies poured into the laps of the Londoner first-class fruit for twenty-five cents apiece. Some of the second-class quality were sold freely at eight cents each. In the United States the steamboats and railways have long since almost destroyed the garden culture of the pine-apple.