114 HORTICULTURE FOR SCHOOLS 



taken not to plant them too closely. For very early crops 

 the seeds are grown under glass and seedlings transplanted 

 to the field as soon as the temperature and the state of the 

 soil will permit. 



The striped cucumber beetle is the worst enemy of the 

 vine and is difficult to control. Paris green applied as a spray 

 is of value. Ashes, powdered lime, and powdered tobacco 

 are recommended as repellents. Lice on cucumbers can be 

 controlled by applying a nicotine spray. 



186. Muskmelons may be either green- or yellow-fleshed. 

 The former usually have an excellent flavor. Muskmelons 

 will grow on many types of soil, but it should be rich in 

 plant-food. They are very susceptible to changes in the 

 moisture supply, and therefore, should be grown only on 

 well-drained land. 



Muskmelons are grown from seed usually planted in hills 

 in the field after the weather has become warm. In planting 

 the hills, it is customary to place some manure in the bottom 

 of the hole and to mix it thoroughly with soil. Then more 

 soil is added till the hole is filled. The seeds are planted near 

 the surface with several inches of earth between them and 

 the manure. A number of seeds are planted in each hill, but 

 the seedlings must be thinned out to two or three. The 

 distance apart of hills and rows should not be less than for 

 cucumbers. Frequent cultivation of the young plants is 

 essential. 



Muskmelons do not stand transplanting well, but in the 

 North, in order to secure early crops, they are frequently 

 started in paper frames or little wooden boxes. Later the 

 box, soil, and plant are set out in the ground intact. 



187. Watermelons are usually grown on light sandy land. 

 They need a warm climate, and should not be planted on the 

 same piece of ground year after year. In the North only the 

 early ripening varieties mature. The culture of watermelons 

 is similar to that of muskmelons. 



