74 OX THE CULTURE OF THE MELON 



The melons under frames require air, like 

 cucumbers, eighteen or twenty hours out of the 

 twenty-four ; give it, therefore, if but in small 

 quantities ; and in order to be able to do so, 

 cover accordingly until the heat reaches 70°. 

 In recommending air to be given, I have acted 

 on the supposition that the squares are close 

 puttied, and that the plants have but little air 

 when the lights are shut ; it being essential that 

 the cultivator should have perfect control of 

 this element. 



Shading is desirable and necessary during a 

 hot sun -shine from about eleven until three, the 

 heat in summer being more than plants under 

 glass can bear without injury; and although 

 shaded, the temperature may be kept up by 

 regulating the air, as well as by not using too 

 thick a covering. Branches of spruce-firs, a 

 little straw or long litter, thinly spread, so as 

 not to exclude the light too much, will answer. 

 Proportionate to the attention bestowed on these 

 minor points will be the success of the grower. 



