,74 FRUITS AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS 



flowers are fully expanded, select a male blossom, strip ofT its corolla and invert 

 in the female blossom. Choose a clear, bright day, if possible, and do the work 

 around mid-day. Blossoms that are fertilized in bright sunshine will be found 

 to swell much more rapidly and produce a decidedly better crop, if the vines 

 are in a healthy condition; then the fruit will make quick headway. After 

 fertilization and before the fruit gets very weighty, supports will be needed. 

 Various contrivances have been used for this purpose. A favorite support 

 years ago was a piece of board nine or ten inches square with a hole bored into 

 each corner, and a piece of pliable wire secured thereto, long enough to fasten 

 to the trellis. Another plan is to use strong rafTia twisted into a sling, which 

 will support the fruit. There is some danger, however, in these two methods, 

 as the fruit may drop, which means a complete loss, as it then usually splits. 

 The best and safest way is to support the fruit with nets about twelve inches 

 square and fastened to the trellis with a sufficiently long piece of string. This 

 is the most satisfactory support in e\ery way and will last for years. 



WATERING 



Judgment is necessary in watering. Melons delight in a liberal supply 

 of moisture, both at the roots and in the atmosphere. Spraying will therefore 

 be in order two or three times a day in bright weather. When the firing has 

 stopped, it is not advisable to spray the vines very late in the evening. Never 

 close the vents tight from the time the fires are out until artificial heat is again 

 turned on. We usually have three to three and one-half months without fire. 

 If a house without fire heat is closed, the condensation is too great and may induce 

 disease, or what is commonly known as black spot on the foliage. The crop 

 should never suffer for want of water at the roots, particularly when in active 

 growth; then a humid atmosphere should be maintained, except when fer- 

 tilizing the blossoms and again when the fruit is ripening. At these periods 

 there should be a drier atmosphere. Less moisture at the roots will then also 

 improve the flavor. But do not allow the foliage to flag. Crops have been wholly 

 or partially ruined by carelessness in watering. If Melons are allowed to suffer 

 for want of water when in full growth, the root action will be considerably dam- 

 aged. Soft roots like those of the Melon cannot safely withstand any extieme 

 drying. Nor is it well to give an over-abundance of water, or to keep the soil 

 always saturated. Gi\e a thorough watering, then allow the soil to sweeten 

 before applying more. This plan will maintain a healthy root action from 

 start to finish. 



FEEDING 



Feeding depends to some extent on the condition of the vines. Some soils 

 are so poor that the grower will have to depend wholly on systematic feeding 

 and top dressing to get satisfactory results. But with a rich, retentive loam 

 very little feeding is needed until the fruit is set. Without a robust vine it 

 is impossible to gather fruit six and seven pounds in weight. It is therefore 



