178 FRUITS AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS 



the pipes when tlie hot water Is on, will generally check its spread. If the pipes 

 are extra hot, in a very cold spell, only a small quantity of sulphur should be 

 placed on them, or the fumes may overcome the vines. 



VARIETIES 



Quite a number of varieties can be recommended highly for forcing under 

 glass, but to keep up the standard of excellence in the selection of seed requires 

 care and good judgment. Where there are four or five varieties in the same 

 melonhouse, all growing together, the pollen will distribute itself over all, and 

 we get promiscuous cross-fertilization, especially in the Summer. If this were 

 allowed to continue for any length of time, it would result in deterioration. 

 The only sure method for improvement is to grow each kind in a house by itself 

 and carefully select the finest specimens, allowing the fruit intended for seed 

 to stay on the vine until dead ripe. Melons will reproduce themselves in this 

 way, and with careful selection the variety will improve rather than deteriorate. 

 If a variation from the type grown is desired, the pollen from another promising 

 variety must be secured, fertilizing the fruit intended for seed. In this way 

 an improvement may be obtained. 



In many cases, however, it is desirable to grow a mixed house, so as to 

 secure variety for the table. A green-fleshed Melon one day and a scarlet- 

 fleshed specimen the next is a pleasant change. It is not advisable to depend 

 on seed from a mixed house, at least for many crops. Better procure seed from 

 a place where it has been carefully selected true to name. You cannot expect 

 improvement in any seed that is selected haphazard. 



Melons may be divided into three classes: green flesh, scarlet flesh and 

 white flesh. There are two or three Melons of excellent flavor in the last- 

 named class, but, personally, I do not admire the white-fleshed sort. I consider 

 green or scarlet flesh decidedly more inviting, though Royal Favorite and Hero 

 of Lockinge are all that could be desired as to richness of flavor. Our American 

 Emerald Gem has been recommended at different times for forcing purposes, 

 and the flavor of this excellent variety is well known. The constitution of 

 Emerald Gem is unfortunately a bit weak for forcing under glass, which makes 

 it less desirable for a forcing Melon. The following varieties will be found satis- 

 factory for forcing purposes: 



