MELON-GROWING IN THE HOUSE 175 



well to build up the vines gradually, so that they can yield the fruit demanded 

 of them. Several years ago I tried an experiment with a batch of Melons, grow- 

 ing one half wholly with the aid of cow manure, used in liquid form, which 

 produced an exceedingly fine crop of fruit. The other half I brought along with 

 the aid of sheep manure, but this crop was a sorry sight. I have proved to 

 my own satisfaction more than once, that sheep manure is not agreeable to a 

 Melon crop. I believe, however, that a change of food is beneficial to any growing 

 crop. The main thing is to find out just what is good for certain crops. While 

 I do not believe in carrying experiments to extremes, yet some experimenting 

 is educational and of great benefit at times. 



Top dressing is one of the best means of producing healthy, vigorous plants. 

 Whenever a top dressing is applied, it seems to give a new lease of life to the 

 root action, which is a fair indication that this method of applying food is agree- 

 able. Free root action means excellent foliage, and good foliage means fine 

 Melons. 



As to the most suitable material for feeding, and the method of applying 

 it, most growers in this country probably work along the same lines. Syste- 

 matic feeding in proper quantities is most important. The crop will take a 

 fair amount of feeding, but it will not endure gorging. It is far better to err 

 on the light side. An overfed Melon vine acts much like a stunted one. In 

 fact, more food than the roots can absorb will cause stagnation. Ichthemic 

 guano, used as a top dressing, in the proportion of about twenty parts of soil 

 to one part of guano, will produce a good growth. A top dressing of this kind 

 should be applied just as the vine needs watering. 



Nitrate of soda, in careful hands, can be used for two purposes: It will hasten 

 maturity and increase the size of the fruit, particularly with the assistance 

 of other food. Cow manure water may be advantageously used a few times 

 while the fruit is swelling. A tablespoonful of nitrate of soda to three gallons 

 of water is a safe proportion. The soil should be moderately moist when apply- 

 ing the soda. The best time to use this is after the fruit is set and swelling 

 rapidly. 



Clay's fertilizer has proved excellent for bringing along this crop to the 

 highest state of perfection, with the assistance of other ingredients. Clay's 

 is best used in a liquid form, a moderately small handful to three gallons of 

 water. If bone is used in the compost, it should be the finest grade, or that 

 known as bone flour. 



As it takes only ten to twelve weeks from the time the plants are set in 

 their fruiting quarters until the fruit is matured, the food must be of a quick 

 acting nature, so that the plant will get the full benefit. I have said that I 

 prefer a change of diet, but whatever is given, the grower should know the 

 nature of the food and how it will agree with the development both of vine and 

 fruit. Melons will resent anything that is not suitable to their growth more 

 than any other fruit I know. If a mistake has been made and the vines receive 

 a severe check, it is an up-hill proposition to revive them. Therefore, good 

 judgment must be exercised. 



I have grown excellent Melons with the aid of cow manure water alone, 



