Melons 1485 



The plants, however, are difficult to manage under glass and, for 

 commercial purposes, the time gained in ripening does not warrant 

 the expense of the operation. By the following method of plant- 

 ing we have succeeded in picking ripe fruit from seed planted 

 in the open field almost as soon as from the transplanted plants, 

 and at so much less expense that we have entirely abandoned the 

 use of the cold frames. 



Upon the approach of the first spell of warm weather after 

 the tenth of April, we place half of the seed in a pan and cover 

 it with water for twelve hours at a temperature of 90 degrees. 

 The water is then drained off, the pan covered with a cloth and 

 kept at the same temperature for another twelve hours. During 

 this twenty-four hours we have furnished ideal conditions for 

 the germination of the melon seed, and germination has advanced 

 more than it would in a week in the ground at that time of year. 

 We next mix the dry half of the seed with the soaked seed, and 

 are ready to plant. With a cup of the mixed seed in one hand, 

 and facing the south side of the row, we make a level opening 

 with the toe of the shoe as far into the side of the row as we can 

 without breaking the crest of the ridge ; with the other hand, we 

 drop from eight to twelve seeds in a line at right angles to the 

 ridge. We then elevate the toe and cover, leaving the soil over 

 the seed in about the same position as we found it. The follow- 

 ing advantages have been gained by this method of planting, 

 namely : 



1. By sprouting the seed we secure an earlier stand than could 

 be done by planting seed direct from the bag. 



2. By mixing sprouted and dry seed we make two plantings at 

 one operation. We have plants coming through at different times 

 in case a late frost should injure the first ones, and the work of 

 replanting is saved. 



3. By covering with the elevated toe we produce a sloping sur- 

 face over the seed which will not hold water. In case of heavy 

 rains this protects against an excess of water over the seed, and 

 prevents the formation of a hard crust for the delicate plants to 

 break through. 



4. By making the opening with the toe held level, and covering 

 with the sloping surface, we have the seed at different depths. If 



