358 



Glass 



transplanted, nsually about the fourth week. Sometimes they 

 ^Yill have to be held back if it threatens frost; if so, give 

 plenty of ventilation. 



yovr we are ready for the field, which should be a good 

 warm well-prepared soil with a good sod. or if not some 

 manure plowed under. Now drag or roll down. We use a 

 one-horse moldboard plow to open the furrow, going both 

 ways in the furrow. Apply any good manure, loaded in a 

 manure-spreader ; use some canvas on each side so that the 

 manure is thrown in the furrow. Level off, then put on fer- 

 tilizer, 50 to 100 lbs. 10% phosphate and potash. Close up 

 the furrow with a plow. Level the ridge with a plank or pole ; 

 ridge when finished should be 3 or 4 inches high. 



Previous to these operations, someone should have been 

 taking the plants out of the pots, which ought to have been 

 well watered the night before. Baskets are best in hauling 

 the plants to the field. Set the basket at an angle of about 

 45 degrees ; take the plants out of the pots, handling carefully. 

 Then carry the basket to the field. Straddle one row and 

 plant two on each side of wagon. This is done by a boy 

 who is careful to carry his basket on one arm. using the other 

 hand to pick out the plant. Take hold of the ball of dirt, 

 hand to the planter who walks straddle of the ridge, using 

 a garden trowel. Press plants in with the hands or with the 

 feet slightly. Before planting, plants should be sprayed with 

 bordeaux and arsenate of lead. 



Plant in rows 7 ft. apart and 20 to 24 in. in the row. Cul- 

 tivate with a spring-tooth cultivator which does not tear out 

 the vines as does the five-tooth cultivator. Never cultivate 

 deep for melons. 



5. THE MANAGEMENT OF FRAMES 



Only by experience can one learn how to manage a 

 hotbed. There are a few principles and cautions, however, 

 which will help. 



