THE MELON. 223 



soil required in the beds before the melons were plant- 

 ed. In the case of early crops in melon-honses, I recom- 

 mend a mean between that for which directions have 

 been given for dung-frames ; and which is, to fill in the 

 soil at three times as the roots extend. 



PREPABING THE PLANTS, PLANTING, ETC. 



Little need be added on preparing the plants for the 

 melon-house trellis system of training, as the only 

 difference between it and that recommended for the 

 speedier fruiting in the dung-bed is, that in the melon- 

 house they are trained to wires near the glass, and in 

 he latter along the surface of the soil. As soon as 

 plants in 4- or 5-inch pots (I use the smaller for spring 

 and the larger for summer plants, having in this case a 

 single plant in a pot) are 8 or 9 inches high, with the 

 soil well occupied but not matted with roots, and the 

 soil is warm in the beds, they are ready for planting. 

 One plant every 2 feet is sufficient, but not too thick 

 or this one-stem system of training. The plant should 

 be put in perpendicular, with the first wire at the front 

 or side of the house, and tied to a stake till it reaches 

 the wire. In summer planting I always settle the soil 

 about the balls with water at 85° to 90° immediately 

 they are planted. The balls being moderately moist when 

 planted, I seldom find that shading is necessary, unless 

 it be when a continuance of dull weather is succeeded by 

 brilliant sunshine. Then a thin shade is applied, but 

 only till the plants can do without it. When the hot- 

 water pipes are in front and close to the plants, it is always 

 best to screen each plant by a thin piece of board from 

 the drying influence of the pipes; until it is at least 



