NEW ZEALAND GARDENING. 7 



may be frequently syringed with soft, tepid water, continued 

 till the flowers are going to expand, and then discontinued. 

 A moist atmosphere should be maintained by sprinkling the 

 floor, etc. Close betimes in the afternoon, when the house 

 is naturally warm from sun heat. As soon as the embryo 

 bunches show sufficiently for selection, be prompt to remove 

 those that do not promise well or that are superfluous, and 

 stop at the second joint above the bunch selected to 

 remain. Thinning is a most important process in grape 

 growing, and should be commenced as soon as the berries 

 are the size of small peas, or rather before. Attend as- 

 siduously to stopping, thinning and tying-in the shoots. 

 The last is an operation requiring care, as unless done 

 gradually and cautiously the shoots are apt to snap off. 



Melons. Plants which have been stopped and ridged 

 out in frames should be encouraged by a nice bottom heat 

 of from 80 to 85, and an atmosphere of 75 or 10 degrees 

 over, when from sun heat, closing early on fine, sunny days 

 with brisk heat and abundant moisture. Whenever the little 

 white roots show through the sides of the ridges or hillocks, 

 add gradually fresh soil, making it very firm ; for all through 

 a firm bed must be afforded the melon for its growth. As 

 soon as the laterals resulting from the first stopping have 

 made seven or eight leaves, they too should be stopped. 

 When further advanced, and the fruits show, and those 

 selected to remain fixed upon, the shoots should be pinched 

 at the joint above the fruit. The sashes should be covered 

 carefully at night with mats, and the bottom heat be kept 

 up by fresh linings. 



Cucumbers. Unlike the melon, cucumbers should 

 not be exposed to strong light or sunshine ; exposure to 

 either is calculated to make the fruit bitter ; consequently 

 the plants should be carefully shaded during mid-day. The 

 cucumber, too, likes a richer and more open soil, and 

 luxuriates in warmth and moisture. Unless in the case of 

 seed saving, impregnation is not necessary with the cucum- 

 ber, though very much so in the case of the melon. Cover 

 at night and keep up the bottom heat by linings, as directed 

 in the case of the melon. This treatment is only necessary 

 when it is required to have very early cuttings. 



