132 



should be removed as soon as they make their appearance. When the- 

 fruits attain the size of a large lien's egg it will be advisable to place- 

 under each a piece of Avood, stone, or slate to prevent them from being 

 injured through resting upon a damp soil. 



While the fruit is swelling, the plants may be freely supplied with 

 water in dry weather. When, however, growth is complete, and the- 

 fruit is ripening, water is not required, and will do more harm than good, 

 as it lowers the quality of the fruit. The flavour of the fruit may be also< 

 materially influenced by the state of the weather at the ripening period. 

 Bright and dry weather is more favourable to the development of high 

 flavour than dull or wet days. Plenty of light and air are essentials in 

 the development of high quality, and sometimes, when too numerous, the 

 branches will require to be thinned out. Care roust, however, be taken 

 not to remove too much of the foliage, as a certain proportion should be 

 left for shade. When exposed just before the ripening period to the full 

 power of the sun, the fruit runs a chance of getting scorched and spoiled. 

 In order to lessen this risk it will be advisable to place a handful of 

 straw, grass, or similar material over each fruit. By adopting this plan 

 the fruit will be prevented from scorching to a very large extent. 

 Ripeness is indicated by the change of colour and the development of the- 

 rich perfume, as also by the foot-stalk cracking away from the fruit. The 

 last-named indication is the best, as it shows that the fruit has reached 

 the most perfect stage of ripeness. 



In the United Kingdom and the northern parts of Europe the Melon is 

 often grown entirely by artificial heat with great success. This practice 

 is scarcely necessary in this part of the world, where the climatic 

 conditions are more congenial to the plant. It may, however, be advisable 

 to adopt it in the colder districts, and also when fruit is required out of 

 the ordinary season. Plants can be grown successfully in frames or 

 houses heated by stable manure, tan, leaves, or other material in a strong, 

 state of fermentation, or, better still, by the use of hot water. 



PROPAGATION. 



Melons are usually propagated by eed, but they may be readily- 

 increased by cuttings if desirable. In saving seed the most perfect and 

 finest fruit should be selected for the purpose. Plants of this family are 

 readily hybridized, and varieties cannot be obtained true if others* 

 belonging to the same genera are growing near enough to have an 

 influence. The seed will retain its vitality for ten or a dozen years, and 

 has been known to keep good for more than twenty years, JSome 

 authorities consider new seed to be greatly inferior to the old, because' 

 they suppose plants raised from the former have a greater tendency to run 

 to vine, and to be less fruitful than plants from older seed It is- 

 doubtful, however, whether there are any solid grounds for this suppo- 

 sition. Many growers prefer seed when it is four years old to that of 

 any other age. Cuttings will strike freely if taken off below a joint 

 and inserted an inch deep in sand or light soil. These plants, as a rule, 

 are very prolific, but, generally speaking, they are less robust thaiit 



