78 THE FORCING GARDEN. 
drops off when about the size of a filbert. But when 
there is sufficient room in the pit or frame, whichever 
it may be, it will allow of eight main leaders from one 
plant—and one plant is better than two to each light 
—running out from the stem in regular divergent 
order, one to each long point, and one between these, 
making eight altogether. These main leaders should 
reach to their limit before they are stopped, which 
should be done as soon as they have reached it, when 
laterals will be emitted at every leaflet along these 
main leaders, on which will come an abundance of 
fruit, when as many should be selected for maturity as 
may be thought fit, and the rest cut off. 
All growth in the vines made after the fruit begins 
to swell should be nipped off, thus keeping the whole 
plant clear. In this way an abundant quantity of 
extra fine Melons both in size and flavour will be 
ensured. As a guard against the thrip, place some 
flour of sulphur upon slates laid on the bottom of a 
flower-pot turned bottom uppermost so as to rise above 
the foliage of the plants, and where the sun can play 
upon the slate, when gentle but sufficient fumes will 
be constantly emitted so as to be a check to this insect 
pest. 
Air may be given the plants during all sunny 
weather; but close early, before the sun leaves the 
frame—one hour before drawing in its life-giving in- 
fluences. If these few directions concerning Melon 
growing are observed, great success will attend you 
without any serious drawbacks in the shape of insects. 
The same routine as regards vapour, watering, &c., 
as I have already given for house Melons, is applicable 
here, except that for very early Melons more bottom 
