MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 405 



ing weather comes they should be covered with three or four inches 

 of light litter. They are most likely to be injured from alternate freez- 

 ing and thawing. Potatoes Reep best in a moderately dry room at a 

 temperature of from 35 to 45 degrees, but if kept dry will not suffer, 

 except from shrivelling, even if the temperature reaches much higher. 

 — L. R. Taft, in Orange Judd Farmer. 



Furiiisli Profitable Work During- the Winter {: eason to 



Horticulturists. 



Prof. Bailey, at Cornell, has made a long study of the matter of 

 winter forcing. He believes that it offers, in connection with outdoor 

 gardening, the best opening not only for experiment, but for practical 

 work. The business is yet in its infancy in America, as outside of let- 

 tuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc., few vegetables are grown under glass. 

 There is a demand all through the winter for fresh vegetables. "Rural 

 New Yorker" reports that of late string beans have proved a profit- 

 able crop, and almost any of our common vegetables will secure a good 

 market if produced in fine quality out of the regular season. In every 

 large town and city is a constantly growing class of people who al- 

 ways eat canned vegetables under protest. They would willingly pay 

 large prices for fresh goods. Thousands of families now eat fresh let- 

 tuce in winter who never dreamed of eating it five years ago. So it 

 would be with other vegetables if they were supplied. 



Prof. Bailey has succeeded in growing muskmelons for the Christ- 

 mas trade. Last year they were planted in the house Aug. 8. They 

 were given lots of heat, and kept dry. The soil was one-third strong 

 manure with plenty of bone fiour added. There were 75 plants, and 

 two fruits were left on a plant. The last were picked December 21, 

 leaving the soil in ample time for a crop of lettuce or tomatoes to fol- 

 low. A variety called Masterpiece succeeded well, as did Emerald 

 Gem. Heat and sunshine make the flavor. Most of those who grew 

 melons under glass have failed becaTise they kept the house too cool. 

 A well flavored melon four inches in diameter is worth money at Christ- 

 mas time. Delmonico's servants will cut it in two, carefully clean the 

 halves, and put them away on the ice to cool. It will be served later, 

 each half filled with delicate ice cream, and worth $2 of the eater's 

 money. 



Another crop that is wanted fresh in winter, according to the 

 authority quoted, is asparagus, which would find ready sale from Jan- 

 uary to May. This crop is already forced by some growers by building 



