i 4 THE FRUIT GROWERS GUIDE. 



light is sufficient for sprinkling the plants, and 3 gallons at a time in watering the roots. 

 Whenever water is given, or the plants sprinkled, care should be taken not to wet the 

 stem or centre of the plant whence the branches radiate, or decay will ensue. With- 

 hold the sprinklings when the plants are coming into flower until the fruit is set, and 

 again when it is advanced for ripening, for a dry atmosphere is essential to the perfec- 

 tion of the fruit. 



Second Crops of Melons. If the first crop of melons is cut in June and July a second 

 crop may be had if growths have been encouraged for that purpose, but unless these 

 are stout and a foot long, they are of no value for a second crop. These vigorous growths 

 provided, cut away the old parts, renew the lining of the bed, and remove the surface 



M 



Fig. 4. LEAN-TO PITS FOR MELONS. (Scale : inch = 1 foot.) 



References : M, pit with fermenting material (w) for bottom heat : x, soil; y, hot- water pipes for top heat. N, 

 pit with hot- water pipes () for bottom heat : a, rubble ; b, soil ; c, hot-water pipes for top heat. 0, pit with chamber (d) 

 heated with hot-water pipes : e, slate slabs or 1^-inch boards ; /, bed ; g, ridge of soil to plant in ; h, hot- water pipes 

 for top heat ; i, wood ventilator, 18 inches long and 7 inches deep, hung on pivots and the ventilators fixed in 

 the wall at 3 feet apart ; j, top ventilating light, opening the whole length of the house ; k, trellis ; I, path ; ra, 

 1^-inch hot-water pipes ; n, ground level. 



soil to the depth of an inch, also a little from between the large roots ; but the less 

 these and the fibres are disturbed the better, and the soil should not be removed within 

 a radius of 1 foot from the neck of the plant. Supply fresh compost, pressing it firmly 

 around the roots. Give a gentle watering with tepid water ; keep the frame rather close 

 and shaded from bright sun until the plants become re-established, after which they 

 require the same treatment as advised for the first crop of fruit. 



CULTURE IN HOT-WATER-HEATED PITS AND HOUSES. 



Pits or houses used in winter for forcing or plant growing are suitable for melons in 

 summer ; but unless fully under control for giving the necessary attention to them 

 and thoroughly heated, they are unsuitable for early supplies. Bottom heat is sometimes 



