LETTUCES 167 



afterwards mending the rows with healthy plants 

 from the seed-bed. If a little more sand or grit were 

 mixed with the mould on the surface, it is possible 

 that mildew would not be so prevalent amongst early 

 Lettuces as it is, when the old mould only is used. 



Slugs are also very fond of young Lettuces, but may 

 be checked by sprinkling powdered lime and soot over 

 the plants and soil on several successive evenings or 

 early mornings. 



MELONS 



The cultivation of early Melons (Cucumis Meld) 

 forms one of the greatest industries in Parisian market- 

 gardens. Every one in Paris, apparently, eats Melons, 

 and when the fruits are cheap in August about zd. or 

 %d. per Ib. one may see great barrow-loads of them 

 being hawked in the street, where they sell readily. 

 Early in the season, however, similar fruits realise 

 as much as 2os. to 255. in Paris, while even the " second 

 choice " fetch 6s. or 8s. each. 



The varieties grown are quite distinct from the 

 netted varieties one is accustomed 

 to see in English hothouses. The 

 French people prefer what are 

 known as " Cantaloup " Melons, 

 and the varieties which find most 

 favour with the market-gardeners 

 of Paris are those known as " Can- 

 taloup Early Frame " or Prescott 

 hatif a chassis (fig. 50) and Prescott * IG ' 



EARLY FRAME MELON. 



fond blanc. The latter is a strong- 

 growing variety, with large roundish compressed fruits, 

 often nearly a foot in diameter, with irregular ribs and 



