74 FAMILY RECEIPTS. 



It requires an unexhausted loam, not too light. In 

 May dig up a piece well exposed to the sun, and lay it 

 off in squares of six feet — at the angles dig holes twelve 

 inches deep and eighteen inches over, into these put six 

 or eight inches of well rotted dung, and mix it well 

 with some of the earth, — draw the remainder of the 

 earth over to form hills of a foot across; then plant 

 seven or eight seeds in each hill, two inches apart, and 

 cover them half an inch deep. When they have grown, 

 so that you can be sure of two or three that will stand, 

 pull the rest out — draw the earth from time to time as 

 high as the seed leaves. It may be well to bury every 

 fourth or fifth joint to take new roots. When the young 

 melons are as large as walnuts, put under them shin- 

 gles, or boards, to keep them dry and warm — they will 

 be better for it. 



MUSTARD — Sinapis, 



The white, for salad or greens, should be sown in the 

 fore part of the season, in warm sunny places. In mid- 

 summer it should be sown in sandy ground. It should 

 be planted in flat drills, from three to six inches apart, 

 and covered half an inch deep. 



Black mustard is sown in the field in March or April 

 for the mill, in drills from six to twelve inches asunder, 

 or it may be sown broadcast and raked or harrowed in. 

 When two or three inches high, it should be hoed and 

 thinned out. It ripens in July or August. 



NASTRiUM — Capucine. 

 This is deserving of cultivation on account of its 

 beautiful orange colored flowers, its excellence in 

 salads, and its use in garnishing dishes. The grain, 

 berries, or seeds of this plant, which it produces 

 abundantly, make an estimable pickle: in the opinion 

 of many preferable to capers. It is sown in drills in 

 April and May, nearly an inch deep. When about six 

 inches high, it should have sticks placed to climb 

 upon, or they may be planted by the side of fences, 

 palings, &c. 



