3i8 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



for spur-growths from the side shoots, all f oreright shoots being rubbed 

 off as they appear that is, the shoots that push out direct from the 

 point of the main branches. All shoots should come from the sides, 

 and, as far as possible, at about equal distances apart. 



There are fewer varieties to choose from for open walls. The 

 Brunswick is one of the best, and Brown Turkey is very fine in a warm 

 soil or upon a south wall. In the north of England and in Scotland 

 Castle Kennedy is a favourite, but it does not bear freely and makes 

 rather gross wood. Brunswick is far more trustworthy and profitable 

 if given room to expand on a warm wall, the old wood cut out, and 

 new growths laid in each year. Another very good open-wall variety 

 is White Marseilles, and, like the Brown Turkey, is excellent when 

 forced indeed, these two last named and the Brunswick are un- 

 doubtedly the most suitable for walls. Even in the south it is 

 necessary at times to protect the trees in winter. Unnail the 

 branches, cut out useless wood in November, tie the branches in 

 bundles, and wrap straw, hay, or, what is better, dry bracken well 

 round the wood, and then encircle with mats. Make the trees firmly 

 secure to the wall after the mat has been placed round the protect- 

 ing materials. In April remove the covering, and a little later 

 nail the trees in their places, and stop side growths, as advised for 

 forced trees. 



Melons. Many amateurs are afraid to grow the Melon ; its 

 culture is regarded as mysterious ; but once a few important details 

 are mastered, the work is quite easy. Usually the beginner kills the 

 plant with kindness at the start. Little food is required at first, as 

 a rich root run means gross growth and poor fruits or none at all. 

 Setting is a difficult matter, as the plants run to leaf, the little fruits 

 turn yellow and refuse to swell. 



Melons in Houses. Where Melons are forced for early fruits at 

 least three crops may be taken in the same house by having strong 

 plants ready to put out as fruit is taken from the old ones. Many 

 good growers can take two crops from one set of plants, but great 

 attention is necessary. Beginners could not be expected to do this. 

 If Melon seed is sown in January the fruits should be ripe at the end of 

 May or early in June. Another set of strong plants should be ready, 

 and these will ripen in the middle of August, as from June to August 

 is the most favourable season. Strong plants being put out at that 

 date will finish their fruits in October, but, of course, with frame 

 culture only one crop can be attempted. Sow the seed early in April, 

 plant as soon as four leaves have been made, and grow on, care being 

 taken to ventilate carefully, as with frame culture every bit of warmth 

 from sun heat is beneficial. 



Grown thus bottom heat is beneficial, as the plants receive a dis- 

 tinct start early in the year ; it is less important later on, but in the 

 autumn it is again useful in finishing up a late crop. A small pit, or a 

 span or lean-to house, is preferable to a larger structure, as atmospheric 

 moisture is better maintained. Excellent crops may be secured in a 

 pit with eight feet to eleven feet run of rafter, or even less, as the 



