68 OX THE CULTURE OF THE MELON 



as recommended for cucumbers under hand- 

 glasses ; and if new it will do equally well as if 

 old. 



The melon requires rather more heat than 

 the cucumber, but still the instructions for cover- 

 ing apply here, and should be followed. If cold 

 winds prevail in the day, the night covering 

 of hay and mats should be put on the windward 

 side, close to the glass, to shelter it ; especially 

 as in this mode of growing, the plants are, in a 

 great measure, dependent on the suns heat, the 

 full benefit of which should be given. 



On hot and clear days give water in the 

 morning when the soil becomes dry, as it should, 

 at all times, be kept free from extremes. As 

 soon as the sun ceases to shine on the hand- 

 glass, let it be shut down close, to retain the 

 heat, covering up an hour before the sun sets. 

 Uncover in the morning as early as the sun 

 reaches the glass, when the plants ought to pre- 

 sent dew-drops on the edges of each leaf — the 

 criterion of health— especially if the preceding 



