252 MANAGEMENT OF THE VARIOUS CROPS, 
sanitary conditions), taking care not to let the sulphur 
catch fire (page 106). 
Leaf-burn or top-burn is the result of bad sanitary 
conditions, being especially favored by a soil which holds 
too much water; also by insufficient care in ventilating 
and watering in dull weather. It is most harmful in the 
heading varieties (page I06). 
MINTS. 
Sage and spearmint may be forced from plants trans- 
planted to the house in the fall; or, better, established 
beds may be covered. They require a lettuce-house tem- 
perature (page 143). 
MUSKMELON. 
Melons, when raised under glass, are generally grown 
for a late fall or early spring crop. For midwinter use, 
they are practically unknown, because the quality is gen- 
erally poor (page 204). 
Muskmelons may be ripened in full normal quality in 
midwinter, however, if given much heat (65° to 70° at 
night, and 80° to 85° at midday), if the soil is strong (par- 
ticularly in mineral fertilizer), if the plants are never 
allowed to become checked, and if the soil is kept dry 
when the fruits are ripening (page 205). 
Houses which are adapted to winter cucumbers and 
tomatoes are also adapted to melons. The plants are 
grown only on benches, at least for the winter crops, and 
are given ample bottom heat. They need unshaded roofs 
(page 207). 
The soil for melons may be well-rotted sods from an 
old pasture, with some thoroughly composted manure 
worked into it. If the soil is naturally rich in nitrogen 
(tending to make plants run to vine), stable manure 
should be used very sparingly, or not at all. The soil on 
the bench may be from 5 to 7 inches deep (page 207). 
