406 FORCING DEPARTMENT. 



turned for a few days, so as that every part may be- 

 come dry, and get into a warm congenial state for 

 the reception of the plants. The soil that appears 

 best adapted for the growth of the Melon, is the top 

 spit (with the sward intermixed with it) of a pas- 

 ture, that consists of rather a strong yellow loam, 

 a few months previously prepared, well chopped up, 

 and turned two or three times before it is used. 



When the soil in the frames is thoroughly warmed 

 through, and collected into hills under each light, 

 the plants may be put in, turning them carefully out 

 of their pots, and keeping them as close to the glass, 

 in the first instance, as they will admit, as the fer- 

 menting substance will soon subside ; and if not 

 well prepared and trodden, it would leave the plants 

 at too great a distance from the glass. After plant- 

 ing, a little aired water is given, to settle the soil 

 about the roots. The lights must be now well 

 covered during the nights, and the temperature in 

 the frames not permitted to fall below 66 degrees with 

 artificial heat, and from 80 to 85 degrees with sun 

 heat; but when air can be freely admitted, the 

 temperature may be increased 8 or 10 degrees. 

 The exterior linings of dung must be well attended 

 to, so as not to let the heat get too much exhausted 

 before they are renewed with additional dung. A 

 little fresh air should be given at all favourable 

 opportunities, and the interior of the frame kept in 

 a sweet and healthy state, otherwise the plants will 

 make but little progress. 



When their Vines begin to extend themselves, 

 they must be kept pegged down to the surface, and 



