72 ON THE CULTURE 



barrow-full and a half, and those afterwards two. 

 In applying this mould, put one barrow-full in 

 first, and tread it down ; then add the remainder, 

 and press it close down with the hand. Procure 

 some good holding loam of a greasy nature, 

 such as is generally found in the marshes, 

 which is the most preferable kind of soil for 

 melons, and let it be well weathered before using. 

 It ought to lay twelve, or at the least six months. 

 Mix this with a sixth proportion of good rotten 

 dung or leaf mould, and let it be turned over two 

 or three different times, that it may be properly 

 sweetened and incorporated together ; taking 

 care, however, that it is not broken too fine. 



The mould intended for the hills of the first 

 crop should be lighter than for those grown 

 afterwards, being composed of light loam, mixed 

 with a sixth part of leaf mould or rotten dung ; or 

 an equal proportion of stiff loam and leaf mould. 

 As mould is added after the plants have been 

 ridged out, let it be trod down close, and take 

 particular care that the roots are never exposed 

 to the sun, but as soon as they make their 



