220 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



covering of sand places the fruit within it in a higher 

 temperature, and it matures more rapidly. 



When they have attained their full size, do not 

 let the heat of the bed decline; and as they give 

 signs of colouring and ripening, which they often do 

 suddenly, increase the air, but do not decrease the 

 warmth. It is easily known when they are ripe by 

 the aroma, and more correctly by the rind cracking 

 round the union of the stem with the fruit. They 

 are then ready to be detached from the plant and 

 placed in a i'ruit-room to cool, after which they are 

 ready for table. 



Such is the routine of melon-culture early in the 

 season by means of dung-frames or pits. The same 

 points of culture apply to their midsummer culture 

 by the same means, only the conditions necessary are 

 secured with much less attention and anxiety. More 

 moisture in proportion to sun heat and light is 

 necessary, and in the heat of summer one barrow-load 

 of well-rotted manure may be added to every five 

 of loam. The loam itself may be somewhat heavier 

 than for spring growth, and a depth equal to that 

 recommended for the ridges — namely, 1 foot — put 

 firmly all over the surface of the bed. 



CULTURE IN MELON -HOUSES TRAINED ON WIRES NEAR 

 THE GLASS FORM OF HOUSE, DEPTH OF SOIL, ETC. 



In this case the first consideration is the shape and 

 size of houses, as well as their aspect. And as in the 

 case of the early forcing of all fruits either in winter, 

 early spring, or autumn, lean-to houses with a due 

 south aspect are decidedly the best for melons. For 



