114 The Gardener's Nfw Director. 

 tilted, that the plants may at the fame -time receive a 

 moderate (hare of air, and the fleam pafs off without 

 iniury. For if the cold air is too freely admitted at this 

 feafon, it will frequently dcrtroy the plants : And if the 

 liuhts are kept too clofe and the fleam confined, the 

 danger will be equal. For the plants will imbibe an in- 

 fe61ted air, and foon fhew their ficknefs by the yellow- 

 nefs of their appearance. 



As the runners advance, obferve to difpofe them with 

 regularity, that they may not crofs or be entangled one 

 with another. And as they proceed in length, encourage 

 the roots by adding fome frefli earth around the hillock 

 on which the plants are placed. But in doing this, be 

 very careful not to bruife the runners, or bury any of 

 their leaves. Let the gardener obferve particularly, not 

 to lay this frefh earth fo high as the top or fummit of 

 the hillock or eminence beiore mentioned, by two inches 

 or thereabout, that the main flem may be kept dry ; o- 

 thervvife being watered, would foak to this principal 

 part, and caufe it to rot. And let it be underftood, that 

 this mould is not to be laid on all at once, but at diffe- 

 rent times, as occafion may require. This will greatly 

 encourage the fibres, and promote the growth of the 

 plants, and will fufficiently recompenfe the gardener for 

 his trouble, who is defirous of having his Melons excel- 

 lent and of rich flavour. 



When the young fruits begin to appear upon the run- 

 ners, forbear to water them till they are grown to the 

 fi/.e of a walnut, unlefs the mould fiiould be very dry 

 indeed ; and then let tliem have it but fparingly. For 

 a little too much water at this time when the fruit is 

 fetting, will caufe the branches to fhoot with luxurian- 

 cy, and the young Melons will be apt to drop off. For 

 the deflruflion of the fruit is generally owing to the 

 exuberant quantity of fap which the branches con- 

 tain. 



At the firll: appearance of the young fruit, you will 

 perceive abundance ol male blofToms. I have feen ma- 

 ny unexperienced perfons pick off thefe, to the manifeft 

 prejudice of the crop. For thefe falfe bloffoms (as they 

 are too commonly called) are abfolutely neceffary for 

 the impregnation of the ovary of the fruitful plants. 



And 



