78 ON THE CULTURE OF THE MELON 



portion of the surface of the bed with earth, than 

 may be absolutely necessary on forming the hills. 



The bed must be lined and the heat kept up 

 day and night from 70° to 80° ; the dung should 

 be sweet below the frame, but fresh at the top 

 in contact with the wood- work, where the greater 

 heat is requisite. 



When the roots show themselves through the 

 hills, cover them at intervals till a ridge of soil 

 be formed from one end of the frame to the 

 other ; the surface of the bed, back and front, 

 being kept free from earth, in order to obtain a 

 greater heat from the linings, as well as to 

 insure the plants being dried at pleasure. 



Train a leader from each plant till it nearly 

 reaches the sides and ends of the frame before 

 it is stopped ; fork over the uncovered surface 

 frequently with a hand-fork ; and sprinkle with 

 water every evening, if dry, before covering up, 

 which will give a moist heat during the night, 

 when air must be given at each light, in order that 

 the internal atmosphere may be kept pure. Stop 



