MELON. 179 



when the plants are ridged out, they will nearly 

 touch the glass; and as the bed will niost likely 

 sink considerably, the plants are to have the full 

 depth of mould, as already mentioned, and likewise 

 the same after-treatment. The author can only 

 add, beware of too much water, the want of which 

 will be indicated by the dryness of the leaves, as 

 much moisture will be contained under them, or any 

 other covering. 



Before leaving this favourite fruit, a few words 

 will be said in reference to the many prizes which 

 the scarlet flesh melon has gained. It brings to the 

 author's memory the many convivial and friendly 

 meetings (called by the gardeners melon feasts) he 

 attended in by-gone days, when the utmost har- 

 mony prevailed among the many hundreds assembled, 

 many among whom of course were anxious for their 

 respective friends to gain the prize. 



At one of these feasts, in the year 1776, the author 

 happened to be the fortunate candidate, bearing away 

 the prize from fourteen others, whose specimens, all 

 of the true Cantaleupe variety, were from four to 

 ten pounds weight each, and of the most perfect 

 growth. The melon which the author exhibited 

 weighed four pounds seven ounces. It was cer- 

 tainly a feather in the author's cap, being as he was 

 at that time so young a man. That the meetings 

 alluded to, when celebrated with temperance, are 

 productive of much benefit, is universally allowed ; 

 for, by causing an emulation among the young hor- 

 ticulturists, they in a great measure act as a stimulus 

 to further improvement. 



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