252 MANAGEMENT OF THE VARIOUS CROPS. 



sanitary conditions), taking care not to let the sulphur 

 catch fire (page 106). 



Leaf-burn or top-burn is the result of bad sanitary 

 conditions, being especially favored by a soil which holds 

 too much water; also by insufficient care in ventilating 

 and watering in dull weather. It is most harmful in the 

 heading varieties (page 106). 



Sage and spearmint may be forced from plants trans- 

 planted to the house in the fall; or, better, established 

 beds may be covered. They require a lettuce-house tem- 

 perature (page 143). 



MUSKMELON. 



Melons, when raised under glass, are generally grown 

 for a late fall or early spring crop. For midwinter use, 

 they are practically unknown, because the quality is gen- 

 erally poor (page 204). 



Muskmelons may be ripened in full normal quality in 

 midwinter, however, if given much heat (65 to 70 at 

 night, and 80 to 85 at midday), if the soil is strong (par- 

 ticularly in mineral fertilizer), if the plants are never 

 allowed to become checked, and if the soil is kept dry 

 when the fruits are ripening (page 205). 



Houses which are adapted to winter cucumbers and 

 tomatoes are also adapted to melons. The plants are 

 grown only on benches, at least for the winter crops, and 

 are given ample bottom heat. They need unshaded roofs 

 (page 207). 



The soil for melons may be well-rotted sods from an 

 old pasture, with some thoroughly composted manure 

 worked into it. If the soil is naturally rich in nitrogen 

 (tending to make plants run to vine), stable manure 

 should be used very sparingly, or not at all. The soil on 

 the bench may be from 5 to 7 inches deep (page 207). 



