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 



