302 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



waterings of liquid manure, and keep a circulation of air 

 about them as the fruit ripens. Give those from which the 

 crops are all gathered an occasional syringing, so as to keep 

 the foliage healthy until it has properly performed its func- 

 tions, and drops off naturally. Plants in pots from which all 

 fruit are gathered, may he placed in any warm place outdoors 

 where they wiU get fuU sun, and be sheltered from high 

 winds, which would tarnish their leaves. 



Melons. — Keep fruit that have got to the ripening stage 

 dry, and well exposed to light and air. The night tempera- 

 ture should range about 70°. Be careful not to water crops 

 that are nearly fuUy swollen, or the chances are that they 

 will burst and be spoilt. The best way is to mulch the 

 surface of the soil with a little leaf-mould or rotten manure 

 to prevent the surface of the bed from becoming too dry, 

 and from cracking. Late crops that are swelling rapidly 

 shoiild be kept warm, and now that the nights are longer 

 and cooler, should have fires put on to prevent the tempera- 

 ture from sinking below 70° to 75°, according to the state 

 of the weather. 



Cucumbers. — Plants raised from seed sown about the 

 middle of August will soon be ready to plant out. A light 

 moderately rich soil is best for winter cucumbers. Grow 

 them on with as much light and air as possible, in order to 

 get them strong and healthy before shorter and didler days 

 arrive. Plants stiU in bearing should be watered occasionally 

 with liquid manure. Keep the temperature from 70° to 75° 

 at night. If a low temperature is allowed at this season, 

 mildew is sure to attack and destroy them. All symptoms 

 of it should be checked by dusting the affected parts with 

 flower of sulphur. 



Strawberries in Pots. — If former directions have been 

 carried out, these will now have well filled their pots with 

 roots; and should the weather be hot and dry, give them 

 frequent supplies of dung or guano water. It is best to 



