The plants, however, are difficult to manage under glass and, for 
commercial purposes, the time gained in ripening does not warrant 
the expense of the operation. By the following method of plant- 
ing we have succeeded in picking ripe fruit from seed planted 
in the open field almost as soon as from the transplanted plants, 
and at so much less expense that we have entirely abandoned the 
use of the cold frames. 
Upon the approach of the first spell of warm weather after 
the tenth of April, we place half of the seed in a pan and cover 
it with water for twelve hours at a temperature of 90 degrees. 
The water is then drained off, the pan covered with a cloth and 
kept at the same temperature for another twelve hours. During 
this twenty-four hours we have furnished ideal conditions for 
the germination of the melon seed, and germination has advanced 
more than it would in a week in the ground at that time of year. 
We next mix the dry half of the seed with the soaked seed, and 
are ready to plant. With a cup of the mixed seed in one hand, 
and facing the south side of the row, we make a level opening 
with the toe of the shoe as far into the side of the row as we can 
without breaking the crest of the ridge; with the other hand, we 
drop from eight to twelve seeds in a line at right angles to the 
ridge. We then elevate the toe and cover, leaving the soil over 
the seed in about the same position as we found it. The follow- 
ing advantages have been gained by this method of planting, 
namely : 
1. By sprouting the seed we secure an earlier stand than could 
be done by planting seed direct from the bag. 
2. By mixing sprouted and dry seed we make two plantings at 
one operation. We have plants coming through at different times 
in case a late frost should injure the first ones, and the work of 
replanting is saved. ; 
3. By covering with the elevated toe we produce a sloping sur- 
face over the seed which will not hold water. In case of heavy 
rains this protects against an excess of water over the seed, and 
prevents the formation of a hard crust for the delicate plants to 
break through. : 
4, By making the opening with the toe held level, and covering 
with the sloping surface, we have the seed at different depths. If 
