SUCCESS WITH SPECIALTIES 221, 



set between two rows so that plants from each side are 

 trained up and over them. After the plants are nicely 

 started, Mr. Edge ties them to the lower strip, but after 

 that they are held by the slant of the frame. In the fall 

 he closes the frames and leans them against the fence 

 out of the way until wanted another year. 



Good Melons. — A grower of prime melons was 

 L. E. Dimock, Connecticut, whose luscious products 

 won much glory at county fairs. Six hills were planted, 

 May 17, to Iron Clad Melons, and six to Santiago. 

 The earth was excavated to the depth of two feet, three 

 feet in diameter, and filled w^ith decomposed cow and 

 horse manure, with a liberal supply of hen manure, 

 the whole being mixed thoroughly with the soil. The 

 seeds after being soaked in water for thirty-six hours 

 were planted in each hill and covered two inches deep. 

 A box two feet square, twelve inches deep, with the 

 top and bottom taken off, was placed over each hill 

 and there remained, except when hoeing, until the 

 plants were ready to send out vines, then it was 

 removed. This protects the plants from chilling winds 

 and the vines grow much faster than otherwise. Water- 

 melons are an uncertain crop to those who have no 

 experience in raising them. The soil must be of a 

 sandy loam and if the proper surface can be utilized, 

 and a southeast slope can be had, it is one great factor 

 in melon raising. Two vines only are allowed in each 

 hill and all but two melons are picked off each vine. 

 The ends of the vines are pinched off after the melons 

 have set. On this space forty-eight melons weighed 

 from thirty to thirty-live or forty pounds, and were a 

 beautiful sight. 



C. P. Byiiii^tons Melon Crop was a grand success ; 

 early, abundant and of fine quality. Holes w^ere made 

 in the soil where each hill was to be, eight inches deep 

 and two and one-half feet in diameter. Coarse 



