THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 167 



When the plants commence active growth, and 

 the dangers from insect enemies are past, throw out 

 all the plants but two, leaving the most vigorous. 

 As soon as the flowers appear nip off the heads of 

 all the leading vines, which produce only staminate 

 flowers. 'This will encourage the lateral branches 

 which yield the fruit, and will more than double the 

 crop. The object of every plant is reproduction. 

 When that purpose is thwarted by taking away a 

 large proportion of the staminate flowers, the plant 

 sends out laterals, which will set more than double 

 the number of fruits, each of which will contain a 

 much smaller number of seeds, doubly protected 

 by a much thicker covering of flesh. This serves 

 the double purpose of seed preservation and food 

 supply; hence the all-important secret, or con- 

 sideration in the cultivation of the melon. 



The best variety to plant in order to get the best 

 results is that one which does best in the place you 

 have for it. The question of preference is some- 

 what governed by taste. Some prefer the green- 

 fleshed, others the pink-fleshed varieties. That 

 being settled, the next consideration is which will 

 thrive best in the place you have for it. Observa- 

 tion and experiment alone will determine that. 



The all-important work of cultivation is to have 

 the soil worked deep and fine before the seeds are 

 sown. After that, keep the surface always loose, 

 to the depth of an inch. This surface cultivation 

 should follow every shower, and as much oftener as 

 convenient. But there is one consideration of 

 vital importance, viz., always get the best seed 

 without regard to cost. To determine this there 

 is one safe rule, that is, to have at least sufficient 

 to last for five years always on hand. One of the 

 most successful melon growers we have ever known 



