THE MELON 85 



first, successive applications must be given until sometimes in extreme cases 

 the stem will consist almost entirely of cement. This sets hard, and forms 

 with what little life there is left in the stem a channel for sap circulation, saving 

 a crop which, if not so perfect as otherwise would be the case, is better than the 

 disappointment of an utter failure. 



Watering. — With increased light and heat and the extension of growth the 

 melon plants must be liberally supplied with water, and always of the temperature 

 of the house they are growing in. Allow the border to become fairly dry 

 occasionally, and when watering does take place let it be an effectual one, and 

 alternately while the fruits are swelling it should consist of manure water from 

 the stable or cow yard. Liberal waterings must be given until the fruits are 

 fully developed and are showing signs of ripeness, and during the ripening 

 process water must not be entirely withheld, but only so much must be given 

 (and clear tepid water only) as will keep the foliage fresh. The ripening fruits 

 should be closely examined, and as soon as the aroma from them is distinguished 

 and the stalks show signs of parting from the fruits, these should be cut. Take 

 care that the stalks are preserved, as when they are broken off the appearance 

 of the fruits is impaired. 



Temperatures and Ventilation. — As I have before mentioned in the 

 case of the earliest crop of melons, little or no front ventilation will be necessary 

 from the time the fruits are set until they are ripe ; top ventilation is ample to 

 regulate the temperature. For subsequent crops the treatment will be much 

 the same, only more air will be necessary as the summer advances, but the 

 melon plant should not be subjected to cool treatment at any time ; the mini- 

 mum should be 60 degs., maximum 85, or 90 degs. when closing the house in 

 the afternoon. Melons do not require much air at any time. 



Shading. — Unless the roots or stems give way in consequence of an attack 

 of canker, or from some other cause, shade should never be given. 



Successional Crops. — When only one house is available for the culture of 

 the melon, it is quite possible to obtain three good crops in one season, as I have 

 before mentioned, but to accomplish this it is necessary to anticipate the 

 planting-time by having good-sized, strong plants ready as soon as one crop is 

 cleared, and to secure the best results it is better to clear out all the old 

 materials from the beds, and fill up again with fresh manure and soil. The old 

 materials need not be wasted, for they will be valuable in other ways in the 

 garden. Where new manure cannot be had in quantity, add some fresh to the 

 old, and treat the soil similarly before the second crop is planted. The third 

 crop of fruits should be ripe towards the middle or end of October. Melons 

 can be had of fairly good quality even so late as the end of November. Where 

 successional houses are available, I prefer planting out the young plants from 

 small pots, when only two or three leaves are developed. 



The Melon as a Market Crop. — In the Channel Islands, where the 

 conditions are more favourable, melons are extensively grown for the English 

 and other markets, and are, I believe, fairly remunerative ; but they are only 

 grown to a limited extent for market in this country, and then generally as a 

 crop between others in the middle of summer, when scarcely any fire heat is 



