THE VEGETABLE-FRUITS 111 



time. If the fruit sets, the blossom will close up in a few hours , 

 and quickly fade away. The male flowers may be readily 

 distinguished, as they are larger than the females. 



As a fair amount of sunshine is favourable to the growth of 

 Melons, every means should be provided to ensure it. Whilst 

 the plants are in flower they will need fresh air whenever the 

 weather will permit, but this must not be allowed to reduce the 

 heat too much. While the use of the syringe must be discon- 

 tinued until the fruits are set, it is advisable to damp 

 the walls and paths during this period, otherwise the plants 

 will become a prey to red spider. Also lightly stir the soil. 

 As soon as a sufficient number of fruits are set, let the foliage 

 be given a thorough syringeing with clear tepid rain-water, and 

 continue to keep the house well charged with moisture after- 

 wards. The trellis should be clothed with healthy foliage, 

 not too thickly placed ; and laterals must be removed as they 

 appear, stopping them at the first leaf. During the period 

 when the fruits are swelling the plants will need frequent 

 applications of liquid manure and soot-water ; whilst a sprink- 

 ling of some artificial manure on the surface soil, well watered 

 in afterwards, will afford a change of food. 



CANKER. One of the worst enemies of the Melon is the 

 canker, and when it appears it will soon affect the whole house. 

 There is nothing better than fresh-slaked lime, nibbed well into 

 the affected parts, which will harden the plants and dry up the 

 moisture in a few hours. 



INSECTS. The insects that chiefly attack Melons are red- 

 spider, black aphis, and thrips. The best and quickest way to 

 get rid of these pests is to vaporize the house. 



There are a great many varieties of Melons, many of which 

 are not grown in this country, some being red, some green, 

 and others white-fleshed. Those suited to indoor culture 

 include Frogmore Scarlet, Lockinge Hero, Blenheim Orange, 

 and Countess of Lathom. Among the novel and peculiar kinds 

 may be placed : The Algerian, Black Portugal, and Paul Rose ; 

 and Long Island Beauty, Early Black Rock, and Netted Gem 

 are very early-maturing varieties. The Cantaloup, Open-air 

 Green, and White Flesh, are frame varieties, and may even be 

 treated like Gourds ; and Calabria and Fordhook Early are two 

 excellent " water " Melons. 



GROWING MELONS, CUCUMBERS, AND VEGETABLE-MARROWS IN 

 FRAMES. It is quite easy to grow these subjects in cold frames 

 during the summer months, although this is not generally 



