204 On Melons. 



a log of wood, and the power of removing it at pleasure, in the 

 early part of summer I placed the top, or growing part, nearly 

 close to the glass, and kept up at all times a liberal supply of 

 moisture to the bottom part, in order to keep it in a constant 

 state of excitement ; so that the sun's action through the glass 

 mio-ht cause the young wood and foliage (whence all the nourish- 

 ment flows) to become yellow and ripened, thereby retarding its 

 growth, and causing it to put forth a flower stem with the plant 

 in full health. Before the flower-stem appeared, the shoot at- 

 tempted to break in several plares, as it made progress in 

 growing; when the stem was put forth, I lowered the plant from 

 the glass, and the foliage again resumed its healthy appearance. 

 Eartham, Feb. 7. 18^0. 



Art. IX. On Melons. By Alexander Forsyth. 



The sorts I should cultivate are, a few Rocks, for their look 

 at table at extensive entertainments ; Green-fleshed, as being 

 economical and fashionable (a middle-sized fruit about 2 lb. 

 weight being considered the best) ; and Persians, such as the 

 Sweet Ispahan and Hoosainees, for their rich aqueous pulp, and 

 as by far the most delicate and delicious of the melon tribe. 



Very early melons may be grown in pots, one plant in each, 

 to mature one fruit, in the pine-stove, or in a house or pit on 

 purpose, where a wholesome high temperature is maintained of 

 75° or 80°; the fruit may be supported by being laid on a small 

 earthenware saucer, inverted into a larger one suspended from 

 the roof. 



Melons planted out in a ridge, on a bed of tan, dung, or 

 leaves, under glass, may be advantageously cultivated in the 

 following manner. In any house, pit, or frame, where an at- 

 mosphere as above described is maintained, sow some seeds in 

 thumb-pots, one seed in each pot, which must be kept near the 

 glass after the plants are above ground, and be allowed a free 

 circulation of air, in order to rear the plants as robust and 

 short-stemmed as possible ; but, though I detail the process of 

 rearing seedlings, I must not be understood to mean that they 

 are equal to those raised from cuttings, which process I shall 

 here detail : — 



In an atmosphere as above described, let the cutting-pots, 

 prepared in the following manner, be placed half a day previous 

 to their being used, in order that the mould may be warm, to 

 prevent a' check by cold soil to the bottom of an exotic cutting. 

 If provided with a small crystal bell-glass, or a small hand-light 

 closely glazed, that may be used ; but if provided with neither, 

 which is nothing uncommon, you can doubtless command as 



