26 GARDENING 



and when the third leaf is out plant at once in the 

 pots, if the soil is in a nice warm condition. They 

 should be planted firmly. 



Frequent waterings with liquid manure after the 

 fruits are secure and swelling will be necessary ; and 

 a high temperature with no air, for early fruits. 



For amateurs it is far best to buy the plants. 



It is not necessary for later melons, to make up a 

 great pile of manure in the summer — if the weather 

 is seasonable just a little bottom heat is enough to 

 start the melons. In planting keep the leaves well 

 above the soil, showing a clear stem, which pre- 

 vents canker, to which melons are subject. 



Tepid water should be given as required, and 

 the plants syringed over head about 3 P.M. every 

 fine day for a few days, when the flowers are 

 expanding, till the fruit is set. Air should be ad- 

 mitted to the frame when the thermometer rises 

 above 70°, and allowing it to run up to 80° with 

 air on, and closing it at 75°. When the roots are 

 through the mounds of soil, cover with two inches 

 more soil, which should be made warm before it 

 comes in contact with them. 



Keep the stem free of leaves, as it prevents 

 canker affecting that part. After the first two or 

 three days of planting, no shade should be given, as 

 they are all sun-loving plants and can never have 

 too much. 



Do not give much water at first, and it 

 should be tepid after the first three weeks. The 

 soil should not be wetted within a circle of six 

 inches round the stems, or canker may set in ; and 

 after the growth reaches the side of the frame, give 

 most of the water near those parts. When the 

 plants have made six inches each, pinch off the tops. 



