AN ACCOUNT OF SOME HYIiRID MELONS. 299 



month, and no delay must be permitted in this matter, as it is 

 well known in these days that a sudden check after very rapid 

 growth induces the formation of blossom ; or, in technical terms 

 as applied to the celery, causes the plant to " run." The smaller 

 the plant therefore at this removal the better, provided it is stout 

 and of a dark-green colour. 



The mode of culture in drills, or by the Scotch bed mode, is 

 so well known, that I need say nothing here on that head ; some 

 persons prefer the one mode, some the other. This, however, 

 depends in part on the scheme of rotation pursued ; and for my 

 part I prefer the Scotch or bed mode ; for, strange to say, I take 

 my main crop of pea» of!" the ground intended for celery pre- 

 viously. The peas are chiefly of the Imperial class, w^hich it is 

 well known produce a glut, and are speedily off the ground. 



By sowing two rows of peas at a time I obtain ground on tlie 

 removal of each pair of rows, for a six feet celery-bed : such 

 ground has usually been much exhausted by the Brassica tribes, 

 previous to the peas, and I use the celery as a restoring crop. 



Whatever mode be adopted, it should be borne in mind that 

 moisture during hot weather is as necessary here as in the seed- 

 bed. Much care is requisite in " soiling up." I have known 

 excellent crops spoiled by neglectful labourers ; and the first 

 soiling in general determines whether it shall be straight or 

 crooked. The principle of soiling has been much misunderstood 

 in many instances ; some persons neglecting it for a long period, 

 and laying on a most unwarrantable load, by which the whole 

 plant becomes suddenly paralysed. 



Celery should be soiled little and often — a little once a fort- 

 night at furthest ; and the plant should be allowed a firm footing 

 before the first soiling takes place. In the middle of November 

 it should be soiled in an extra manner, as protection against frost, 

 and the soil pressed very close. I consider the IVIanchester red 

 the best for the earliest crop, but Seymour's white will keep the 

 longest. 



XXXVI. — Ati Account of some Hybrid Melons. By 

 Sir G. S. Mackenzie, Bart., F.H.S. 



. (Communicated Aug. 22, 1848.) 

 The Melon is a fruit so beautiful to look upon, and so agreeable 

 to the palate, that it is a matter of surprise it should not be more 

 generally cultivated, and when cultivated that it should not 

 receive due attention. For a long period I have not seen a fine 

 Melon at any table but my own ; and those brought to market 

 are trash. This is curious ; for it is as easy to cultivate good as 

 bad varieties. More attention has of late been given to the 



X 2 



