22 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



splits, and is thus spoiled. To prevent this evil the house must be kept rather warm 

 and dry, freely ventilated, and the soil only needfully moist when the fruit changes for 

 ripening. A gentle warmth in the hot- water pipes, a little ventilation at night, and 

 water witheld from the atmosphere and soil are usually effective. Frames may be lined 

 and the lights tilted about an inch at top and bottom so as to insure a circulation of air. 

 When the plants are vigorous the precautions named are not always effectual, but by 

 cutting the shoot on which the fruit is borne about half-way through below it, and 

 attending to the other conditions, the splitting of melons may be usually prevented. 



Ripening. This is indicated by the fruit changing colour, and emitting a perfume 

 not before distinguishable. When these characteristics become pronounced, and before 

 it has parted at the stalk, the fruit should be cut with about an inch of the stem, laid 

 on a shelf in the house, and shielded from the sun with paper until evenly matured ; then, 

 if removed to a cool, dry, airy fruit room till the skin is equally pervaded with the ripe 

 tint, it will usually be at its best for dessert or exhibition. Experience is very impor- 

 tant in ascertaining the right time to send a melon to table, and that once found is 

 always applicable to the variety. Unripe fruit never pleases, and over-ripe is still 

 more objectionable. 



DISEASES. 



Melons are subject to gum in the shoots and stems, and to canker at the collar. 



Gum. This is mostly engendered by wounds in pruning, especially when the 

 growths have become strong and crowded. This causes the parts left to be so gorged 

 with sap that it exudes from the cuts and shoots, often where there do not appear to 

 be any wounds on the stems. Where this occurs it is a good plan to rub quicklime into 

 the affected parts, and repeat as necessary. The best preventives are to avoid a very 

 rich soil, keep the growths rather thin, rub off those not wanted early, pinch so as 

 to give little occasion for the use of the knife, admit air freely on all favourable 

 opportunities, and maintain a proper temperature, with a genial but not very moist 

 atmosphere. 



Canker. One great cause of this malady is a close and over-moist atmosphere, but 

 it may be caused by improper ventilation and watering close to the stems. The pre- 

 ventive is to keep the stems dry, and admit air constantly a little sufficing in dull 

 weather. But canker may arise from unhealthiness of the plant, the sturdy and clean- 

 growing being most free from attack. The remedy is quicklime rubbed into the. 



