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VEGETABLE GROWING IX NEW SOUTH WALES. 



squares so as to resemble a small strawberry punnet without the bottom. These 

 squares are placed close together in a hot-bed, and filled level with fine 

 rich soil. With a block of wood shaped for the purpose the soil within the 

 squares or bands is pressed until it is -i- to 2 inch below the top. If only 

 part of the soil is put in first and pressed down firmly, and the balance is 

 then added and similarly treated, a more compact square of soil is obtained, 

 which will hold together better during transplanting. Unless the soil was 

 very moist in the first instance the bed is then thoroughly wetted. Next, 

 three seeds are placed in each square, and covered with enough tine, loose soil 

 to bring all level again with the tops of the bands. The last layer is not 

 firmed. 



Koib's Gem Water-melon. 



The hot-bed for melon plants should have full exposure to light, and be 

 maintained at a high temperature about 85 Fah. during the day, and 60 

 to 70 at night. As much ventilation should be given as the weather will 

 permit, and care exercised to avoid over-watering. 



As soon as the plants are started they are thinned to two in each square 

 by cutting off the weakest with a sharp knife. When they are about 4 

 weeks old from planting they are deemed large enough to transplant to the 



