MAY. 



645 



MAY. 



here the ordinary melon pit will be brought 

 into requisition. Let a good quantity of 

 well-prepared dung be ready. The pit 

 should be about 4 feet deep in front, rising 

 at an angle of 45, or thereabouts, of the 

 most simple construction, no other appli- 

 ances being necessary ; but it should be 

 broad and roomy, both on account of 

 holding sufficient dung to maintain a 

 lasting heat, and also that the plants may 

 have sufficient room to trail ; but they 

 must not be allowed to ramble at pleasure, 

 but kept within bounds by stopping and 

 pinching. Let the dung be thrown in 

 evenly, and worked about with the fork, 

 so that it may not sink more in one place 

 than another ; allow it to settle ; throw 

 on 6 or 8 inches of good loamy soil, which 

 tread over. When of the right temperature 

 (about 80) the plants may be put in, 

 settled with warm water, and afterwards 

 watered about twice a week, but not over- 

 head when about setting the fruit ; stir the 

 soil and pour it between the roots at that 

 time. 



Melons Fertilisation and Management. 

 Bees will find their way into pits and 

 frames at this time of the year, and fertilise 

 the fruit blossoms, although some growers, 

 to make doubly sure, still perform that 

 task. Melons in full growth must have 

 plenty of fresh air to insure that dark 

 healthy greenness in the foliage indicative 

 of vigour in these plants. Close before 

 the air cools too much, and open in the 

 morning before the steam shows on the 

 glass : both are important, because, if the 

 lights are left open late, the air inside is 

 chilled, and rendered unsuited for healthy 

 respiration ; whereas, in the morning, if 

 kept closed too long, the plants sweat, 

 and are less able to bear the sunlight. 

 Shading is unnecessary, except in case of 

 fresh planting ; if properly treated in other 

 respects, they will be able to bear the 

 sun's rays. 



Melons on Trellises. The fruit of plants 

 growing on trellises should be placed on a 

 thin piece of board suspended under the 

 plants. After the fruit is three parts 

 swelled a fresh growth may be permitted 

 if the plants are intended to produce a 

 second crop. 



Melons Watering. Melons now swell- 

 ing will require a moderate amount of water. 

 If the plants are growing in mere loam, 

 liquid manure should be given. Be par- 

 ticular that the bottom is maintained at 

 a steady point ; a deficiency or excess of 

 heat at this stage would most materially 

 interfere with the swelling of the fruit. 

 To preserve the soil in a medium state of 

 dryness, and to save frequent waterings, 

 the surface of the bed may be covered with 

 common flat tiles or broken brickbats. 

 Great attention must be paid to preserve 

 the principal leaves from injury. 



Vegetable Marrows. Vegetable marrows 

 and gourds may be planted under hand- 

 lights, in somewhat the same manner as 

 that described above, if done before the 

 last week in this month ; but let the bed 

 be broader than for cucumbers and melons, 

 and not quite so high, placing about a foot 

 of soil on it ; all that is necessary is a 

 slight heat to start them, and covering 

 with handlights. 



May. Hothouse, Work in. 



Temperature. The flowers so long pent 

 up in their warm quarters begin to look 

 for change at this time of year, and many 

 f them which have done flowering are 

 transferred to cool and shady positions 

 in the open air, to recruit their wasted 

 energies, and to prepare for another year, 

 while those that yet remain in bloom, and 

 are retained in the house for its embellish- 

 ment, require as much air as it is possible 

 to give them, but always without draughts. 

 During the month of May the hothouse or 

 stove may be kept at a temperaturr 



