MELONS WATERING. 13 



may be prevented by a thin mat or piece of hexagon netting placed over the openings. 

 Commence in the morning by raising the sashes a little at the back, increasing the open- 

 ings with the increase of heat. As the season advances more air will be needed ; regu- 

 late the time of opening and closing by the thermometer. Kemember that the object is 

 to displace foul air, and supply its place with fresh; also to prevent the heat becoming 

 unsafe for the plants. Eeduce the openings in the afternoon in proportion to the decline 

 of sun heat, using warm water freely when the lights are closed. 



Fruit- Setting. A moist condition of the soil is necessary to insure free growth, but 

 it must not be kept wet on the surface when the plants are in flower. It is well, there- 

 fore, to water the plants a day or two before the flowers are likely to open, to have the 

 bottom heat brisk, and to admit abundance of fresh air. Keeping the frame close at the 

 time of flowering prevents the pollen from being properly dried. If water is needed while 

 the fruit is setting, supply it through drain-pipes about 18 inches apart, with one end 

 inserted in the soil to the depth of an inch. Sometimes the flowers have the pollen 

 converted into paste by the condensation of moisture in dull, moist periods ; to prevent 

 this a little air should be admitted constantly, and a good lining applied to the 

 sides of the frame. 



Watering. Early in the season very little water is required. At first it must be 

 given near, but not quite touching, the stems of the plants, but as the roots extend into 

 the fresh soil more water becomes necessary. Moderate applications will only be 

 needed until the fruit has set ; then once or twice a week or, it may be, every other 

 night, copious supplies will be required. The soil must not be allowed to become so 

 dry as to cause the foliage to flag, but when getting rather dry afford a thorough supply 

 of water. When the fruit begins netting water should be given rather less copiously ; 

 still, the soil must be kept perceptibly moist and even when the fruit is ripening there 

 must be sufficient moisture at the roots to keep the foliage healthy. Water must be 

 made tepid by adding hot to cold, or by exposure to the sun before applying it to the 

 roots or sprinkling the plants. 



Sprinkling. A gentle sprinkling of the bed in the morning to the extent of the hil- 

 locks, but not over the plants, may be given when the surface becomes dry ; this will 

 be sufficient before April. In April the bed may be sprinkled on fine afternoons from 

 1 to 2 P.M., and after April at the time of closing the frame. This creates a moist 

 atmosphere which invigorates the plants and is inimical to red spider. This sprinkling 

 should not be practised in dull, cloudy, or rainy weather. About a gallon of water to a 



