172 THE VEGETABLE CULTIVATOR. 



affords, which being prepared with cow dung, will 

 be much preferable to that of horses. The gardeners 

 of Holland never fail to collect a quantity every 

 year, by which means they are never without it, as 

 they find its utility for their large melons, as well 

 as for their finest flowers. Should the earth and 

 dung be in a proper state, they may be mixed when 

 wanted. The earth must be by no means finely 

 sifted ; the better way is to run it down, and draw 

 off the very roughest at the bottom, according to 

 the quantity wanted. 



The fourth is to give a sufficient depth of mould, 

 according to the sort of melon, for the smaller size 

 full twelve inches, and for the larger eighteen. A 

 good depth of soil will supersede the necessity of 

 heavy waterings, which only cause the earth to run 

 into too solid a mass ; especially if the soil is 

 light, or has been too finely sifted. 



Lastly, shade is recommended to cover the 

 glass after the plants have extended their runners, 

 and have begun to show fruit, in hot clear days 

 throughout the season ; the rays of the sun having 

 at such times too powerful an effect on the plants : 

 should they happen to be close to the glass, the 

 frame must be raised with a brick at each corner, 

 and the open space well secured with a hayband. 

 The covering may consist of very thin canvass, net- 

 ting, thin branches of birch, or mats, which latter 

 the author prepared for the purpose by drawing 

 out either way, every other strip of matting. This 

 will be found useful ; and the mats so served will 

 last (with care) many seasons. 



Thus far for the present ; but most likely many 



