irONTHLY CALENDAR. 427 



be. Having seldom been troubled with pests in the culture of cucumbers 

 or melons, I cannot but consider that their presence is chiefly, if not wholly, 

 the result of mismanagement ; but where they do appear, it is advisable to get 

 rid of them as soon as possible. Red spider and mildew are counteracted by 

 sulphur, thrijDs and aphis by fumigating with tobacco, which is the safest 

 means; but more credit is due to the cultivator who, by judicious care and 

 management, keeiDS his plants clear of them. 



1276. Cucumbers are sometimes allowed to trail over a trellis ; by this 

 means the fruit is suspended, and no glass tubes are requii-ed to keep them 

 straight : some even when grown on a bed, are tied up with sticks for the 

 same purpose. When tubes ai*e used, it is sometimes necessary to watch 

 them, in order that, during the swelling of the fruit, they are not wedged into 

 the tubes so tightly that they are diiScult to withdraw. Care should be 

 taken that the bloom which adorns the fruit is not removed in cutting them. 

 In the application of lining, to maintain the heat, in watering and giving air, 

 &c., proceed as before. 



1277. Plants intended for open-air culture, if sown last month, will be ready 

 for ridging out. A south border, or between rows of tall peas, or scarlet 

 runners, ranging north and south, will suit them. Open a trench four or five 

 feet wide, and fill with prepared stable-dung, to the thickness of three feet ; 

 cover this with a foot of soil ; place the plants five or six feet apart, two or three 

 together, and cover with hand-glasses. 



1278. Melons may be started for succession : as these are not generally con- 

 tinuous bearers, nothing is gained by endeavouring to induce old plants to bear 

 again. It is more satisfactory to raise fresh plants and make new beds for 

 them, unless, indeed, they are planted on old beds newly Uned. With a toler- 

 able bottom-heat, the growth of these plants is very rapid at this time of the 

 year ; and though they may be grown without it, still, for the production 

 of fine fruit, heat is indispensable. Where the fruit is swelling off, the roots 

 will most probably have penetrated the lining : if so, this must not be dis- 

 turbed, but fresh dung added to it ; but care must be taken that the rank heat 

 has passed from the new lining, or the roots will be injured. It is advisable 

 to raise the fruit on tiles or slates, or some such material ; boards are not so 

 well, as they are more likely to harbour woodlice under them. Pinch back all 

 useless shoots, but keep the plants regularly furnished with healthy leaves. 



1279. Melons, like cucumbers, may be grown on ridges. Some of theCanta- 

 lupe varieties do very well this way ; but it is advisable to get the plants 

 strong before turning out. Grow them in frames till they are established in 

 32-pots ; then plant them in the same way as directed for cucumbers, making 

 the soil rather firm, and protecting with hand-glasses. 



12S0. If ridges are pi'epared in the same way, vegetable-marrows, gourds, 

 &c., may be planted on them, or the seed may be dibbed in at intervals of 

 six or eight feet : they will grow, and be in time to bear in August : they 

 like a light rich soil, and grow very fast after midsummer. The ice-plant, 

 which is sometimes used for garnishing, may be treated in precisely the same^ 



