1 1 6 Forcing the Melon for early Fruit. 



generally recommended, although I cannot boast of producing 

 an artificial climate by means of a killogie under my plants, as 

 described by Mr. Forsyth, but rather 



" Of arts disclosed in ancient days I sing, 

 And venture to unlock the sacred spring." 



I only plant a single seed in a 48-sized pot, filled half full of 

 rich light soil, by which means the plant can be earthed up with- 

 out repotting, and consequently sustains no check by that pro- 

 cess. I also only plant a single plant to each light for a common- 

 sized frame; those I use are 9ft. by 6 ft. In the second place, I 

 do not use any dung in my soil, for three reasons: viz. it causes 

 the plants to grow too rampant and vigorous to bear well ; it 

 impairs the flavour of the fruit they do bear; and the plants are 

 more susceptible of disease when they are so robust ; not to 

 mention large foliage, which ought to be avoided in the early 

 part of the season. To some this may appear rather paradoxical, 

 and especially to vegetable physiologists, who will say that one 

 well-developed leaf is worth two small ones. I perfectly coincide 

 in that opinion ; nevertheless, a sufficient quantity of light is an 

 indispensable requisite in the early part of the year. 1 am well 

 aware that a proper quantity of foliage, in a healthy state, is as 

 indispensably necessary to enable the plant to nourish a good 

 crop of fruit; but, without a perfect command of light, we must 

 be content with a medium size of foliage. How frequently do 

 we hear gardeners complaining that their plants have run all 

 over the bed without setting their fruit ! and, after properly ex- 

 amining into the case, as often do we find the cause arising from 

 the plants being too luxuriant; and yet they inform us that the 

 seed was old, and the soil well trodden down. But when that 

 soil is examined, it is found to be either too rich, or that the 

 roots have got down into the dune:. 



The soil I use is the top sward or turf of a pasture that has 

 lain in grass for a considerable number of years, where sheep or 

 other cattle have been kept ; it is a strong hazelly loam. This 

 is chopped small, and frequently turned throughout the winter 

 before using. Previously to putting any soil into the bed, I turf 

 the surface of the bed all over, and likewise up the sides of the 

 frame, which prevents the roots from extending into the dung; 

 and the turf up the sides of the frame guards the roots from 

 being burnt by the linings after the frame is raised up, which 

 must be done when the plants are earthed up for the last time, 

 to keep the glass a sufficient distance from the foliage. The 

 depth of soil that I use is 2 ft., whatever structure the plants are 

 grown in. 



I keep my young plants as stiff as possible ; and, when planted 

 out into the hills, I train one shoot to the front and another to 



