376 GARDEN MANAGEMENT. 



leaves. From tbis leading shoot two or three will break : in like manner 

 when they break, all but one of these is to be pinched down to five leaves. 

 When this one has made ten leaves, pinch down to nine. With pyramidal 

 peaches and nectarines, as soon as the shoot has made three leaves, pinch off 

 the third leaf with the end of the shoot, leaving two principal ones. These 

 pinched shoots will soon put forth fresh shoots, which, with all succeeding 

 ones, must be pinched off to one leaf as soon as three are formed. 



§ 9.— HoTPED AND Frame Cultivation. 



1112. Hotbeds may still be made for starting cucumbers and melons with 

 greater certainty of obtaining fruit, and also with far less labour and material 

 than formerly, the weather being much warmer, and the sun aiding by his 

 rays the efforts of the cultivator ; but the same directions apply now as before 

 for making the beds, excepting that they need not be quite so high— three feet 

 or ratfeer more will be suflBcient. Beware of building hotbeds with long or 

 insufficiently-prepared dung : the violence with which it ferments will destroy 

 the plants or lay the foundation of a weak, sickly growth, accompanied by mil- 

 dew and other pests. Great caution is necessary, because over-heating is 

 more likely to occm-, and is less easily detected now than in colder weather. 

 Wait a week, or even two, rather than build with insufficiently-prepared dung. 

 Sow the seed and raise the plants as already directed, and treat in nearly all 

 respects in the manner described. Shading will be necessary for newly-removed 

 plants, if the sun is powerful ; but plants can be re-potted, or planted in such a 

 manner that they do not in the least miss the mo\Ting : let the pots be thoroughly 

 clean before using them, and the plants will turn out without breaking the ball 

 of earth, or disturbing the roots. Give plenty of air to growing plants, particu- 

 larly in sunny weather. Neither cucumbers nor melons should be shaded — ^it 

 is necessary that the stems be matured and ripened, in order to secure a good 

 bearing condition : plants that are vigorous and healthy will bear the full 

 light of the sun, if air is admitted proportioned to its influence. Attend well 

 to pinching back under-growth, and pegging down the stems : they will root 

 at every joint by so doing, and continue bearing much longer. Water must be 

 given more freely as the weather gets warmer ; but see that the plants are nob 

 chilled, which will be the case if the water is not of a temperature nearly 

 equal to that of the bed. Shut up about 4 or 5 p.m., and open as early in the 

 morning as the weather will permit, and water before closing in preference to 

 other times ; as during the night the plants revel in a moist, dewy atmosphere. 

 The principal summer crop of melons should be got out this month ; and here 

 the ordinary melon-pit will be brought into requisition. Let a good quantity 

 of well-prepared dung be ready : the pit should be about four feet deep in front, 

 rising at an angle of 45°, or thereabouts, of the most simple construction,— no 

 other appliances being necessary ; but it should be broad and roomy, both on 

 account of holding sufficient dung to maintain a lasting heat, and also that 



