422 THE KITCHEN GARDEN. [JUNE 



in a neat and regular manner, and when any of them are too luxuri- 

 ant, check them by nipping off the extremities of the runners. 



In the last week of this month sow general, crops of cucumbers 

 and melons for pickling, which is to be done in the same manner 

 as directed on page 382. The long oval musk-melon, and the long 

 prickly cucumber, are in general estimation for this purpose ; but the 

 cluster cucumber, on account of its numerous bearing and small 

 fruit, is by many preferred. 



WATER-MELONS. 



If not done before, thin your water-melons, leaving but three of 

 the best plants in each hill, and draw the earth with a hoe up around 

 the hills till the stems of the plants are covered up to the seed leaves ; 

 the ground between them must be kept perfectly free from weeds, 

 either by hoeing, or (if cultivated on a large scale), by ploughing 

 and harrowing in the early part of the season. 



SQUASHES AND PUMPKINS. 



Squashes and pumpkins may be treated in the same way as di- 

 rected for water-melons ; they are more hardy, and do not require so 

 very particular attention ; however, the ground must be kept loose 

 and free from weeds, for it will be in vain otherwise to expect pro- 

 fitable crops. 



SWEET POTATOES. 



Your sweet potatoes must have earth drawn around the hills, to 

 enlarge them and encourage the growth of the roots; lay off the 

 vines regularly, and keep the ground very clean. 



CAULIFLOWERS. 



The early cauliflowers will now be producing their heads abund- 

 antly ; care must be taken to break down the leaves to preserve the 

 flowers from sun and rain, as directed on page 385. 



Those plants which are still advancing in growth, or part coming 

 into flower, should, in very dry weather, be frequently well watered, 

 which will greatly enlarge the size of the flowers. For this purpose, 

 draw the earth around each plant, basin-formed, to retain the water 

 till soaked down about the roots. This practice is absolutely neces- 

 sary in dry seasons. 



The cauliflower plants from late sowing, should now be planted 

 out finally, as directed on page 329 ; taking care either to do it in 

 moist or cloudy weather, or to give shade and water after planting : 

 a large cabbage leaf laid over each plant will protect it considerably. 



CABBAGES AND SAVOY. 



Take opportunity of moist or cloudy weather, and plant out a full 

 crop of cabbages and savoys, from the late spring sowings ; also, of 



