164 



THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



planted with cucumbers do not hybridize, as is popu- 

 larly supposed. 



Soil should be light, warm, and quick. In heavier soils 

 the hills should be well enriched with compost; if 

 clayey, sand or sifted coal-ashes should be worked in. 

 If wet, the soil should be drained. As muskmelons are 

 always grown in hills, the richer these are made, on 



&g^z 



Fig. 77. Muskmelon seedlings. Nearly natural size. 



whatever soil, the better. On some soils it is even 

 advisable to remove the earth of the hills about two 

 feet across, and replace it with compost. Or fill the 

 holes with well-rotted manure, covered with three or 

 four inches of good soil, in which to sow the seed. 



Distances are somewhat according to soils. The 

 best general distances are four by six feet ; if the soil is 

 very rich, give more space; if poor, give less. 



Depth. One-half to one inch. 



Sow under glass in April, in pots or baskets or on 



