UNDER HAND-GLASSES. 69 



day has been warm and dry. The plants thus 

 grown will be stronger than if propagated under 

 frames, and will be fit to transplant into the 

 fruiting bed in three or four weeks. 



The system of stopping should be that of the 

 cucumber : after which the plants will bear a 

 strong heat without injury, that is, 80 or 90, 

 in the day, with air, which should be given on 

 the sheltered side, when required to keep down 

 the temperature to about 85 or 95. Do not 

 admit much at once, but by degrees, so that the 

 change may be gradual ; sudden transitions being 

 highly injurious to the melon. 



The successful culture of this excellent fruit 

 greatly depends on the nature of the soil, which 

 should be good loam, three or four inches thick, 

 taken from the surface of a common, or an old 

 pasture. It requires no preparation beyond 

 chopping, and may be used quite fresh ; and 

 there is nothing to equal it. 



The situation for the plants to grow and bear, 

 after their removal from under the hand-glass. 



