40 



HOCKINGS* GARDEN MANUAL. 



Sowings may be made monthly for succession, and 

 small beds may be transplanted in favorable weather 

 at fifteen inches from plant to plant. 



Some persons having light, rich, moist soil, find it 

 to advantage to make their summer sowings in rows, 

 fifteen inches apart, putting the seed in thinly, and 

 allowing the plants to remain until they arrive at 

 maturity. In this case especial care must be taken 

 that the ground does not cake, that it be frequently 

 stirred, and liquid manure supplied, if necessary. Salt 

 and ashes are good special manures. 



Lettuces may be blanched as directed for endive. 



MARTYNIA. 



The seed-pod of this flowering plant is much used 

 in America for pickling. 



MELONS. 



The rock and English hybrids are very numerous, 

 and so much crossed with each other that they are 

 seldom to be obtained true to name and character. 

 The water and sugar melons are more generally 

 grown. 



The melon requires a stronger soil than cucumber, 

 greater exposure to the sun, and not quite so much 

 water. The soil should be dug deep, and ashes are a 

 good special manure. Stop the lateral branches at the 

 third leaf beyond the fruit, renewing the operation 

 every fresh growth. 



For sowing and general cultivation see cucumber. 



MUSHROOM. 



A bed of mushrooms is not so difficult of attain- 

 ment as is generally believed. There are certain 



