278 REMARKS RELATIVE TO MELONS. 



remove the upper part of the linings, or the 

 whole if necessary, for a day or two, and then 

 apply them again more moderately. 



By this practice of renewing the linings as the 

 old becomes decayed, a constant regular heat 

 will be supported till June, which is essential, 

 both for the growth of the plants and the swell- 

 ing of the fruit. 



REMARKS RELATIVE TO MELONS WHILE 

 RIPENING. 



Par. 55. The maturity of melons will appear 

 in different ways; by the full size of the fruit, 

 and in some kinds by changing yellow ; but all 

 the varieties impart a powerful rich odour ; also 

 at times the stalk, joining the base of the fruit, 

 will crack open, apparently ready to separate 

 from it ; all these appearances denote that the 

 melons have arrived to a sufficient state of 

 maturity for gathering, which should be done 

 before the fruit is over ripe. Cut with it most 

 of the stalk, which is attached to the fruit ; 

 or if there is no other fruit growing above on 

 that vine, it is usual to cut a small piece of the 



