158 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



fifteen seeds may be sown, thinning to four or five vines 

 when danger of insects is over. The season may be ad- 

 vanced and the damage from insects lessened by starting the 

 plants in hotbeds. This may be done by using fresh sod, 

 cut into 6- inch pieces, placing them grass-side down in the 

 hotbed, sowing eight to ten seeds on each piece, and cover- 

 ing with 2 inches of light soil. When all danger of frost is 

 over, and the ground has become warm, these sods may be 

 carefully lifted and set in the prepared hills. The plants 

 usually grow without check, and fruit from two 

 to four weeks ahead of those from seed planted 

 directly in the hill. Old quart berry boxes are 

 excellent to plant seeds in, as, when they are 



Muskmeion set in the g round > thev vei T quickly decay, 



causing no restriction to the roots. Netted 

 Gem, Hackensack, Emerald Gem, Montreal, Osage, and 

 the Nutmeg Melon are popular varieties. One ounce of 

 seed will plant about fifty hills. 



For insects, see Cucumber. 



Musk Plant is an old-fashioned house plant 

 of easy culture. Raise a new stock from seeds as soon as 

 the plants begin to fail. 



Narcissus. Hardy bulbous plants, including 

 the daffodils, jonquils, and other forms. The ease with 

 which these plants may be grown, the beauty and fragrance 

 of the flowers, as well as their lasting qualities when cut, 

 would seem to make their culture in .this country more 

 popular than it is. Good bulbs planted in September or 

 October are sure to bloom in April or May. The bulbs may 

 remain in the ground for a number of years, although the 

 best results will be had by digging them up every three 

 years, and resetting in a different location. Select a moist, 

 loamy soil, slightly protected from the sun. No manure 

 should come directly in contact with the bulb, but if needed 

 to hold moisture the manure may be spaded down to the 

 depth of twelve inches, 



