80 ON THE CULTURE OF THE MELON, &C. 



heat of the day. This second crop will be ripe 

 in June and J uly, and the fruit will weigh from 

 two to four pounds each ; and a third crop of 

 one fruit on a plant will be ripe in August, Sep- 

 tember, and October, of two or three pounds 

 each. Thus thirty-six melons, perfect in growth 

 and flavour, may be had off twelve plants ; the 

 latter bearings being the finest in respect of 

 flavour. By this system the plants do not re- 

 quire to be cut back, and consequently are not 

 checked, as must be the case when so dealt with ; 

 neither is the risk of their breaking afresh 

 incurred. 



In case of its being desired to have fruit large, 

 and of the finest possible flavour, quantity being 

 a secondary consideration, one plant on a hill 

 instead of four must suffice, and one fruit on a 

 plant. 



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