274 



HOTBEDS FOR EARLY 



Also should the plants press against the glass, 

 and the frame become much crowded towards 

 the end of June or beginning of Julv, the frame 

 may be raised at bottom a few inches, to give 

 more room above. 



When the fruit has advanced to a tolerable 

 size, it is requisite they should be turned occa- 

 sionally, which will cause them to be more 

 regular in their growth, and assist the fruit in 

 ripening more equally. 



It is generally necessary to continue the 

 glasses constantly on the frames till the middle 

 or end of June, but should be raised high in hot 

 weather. After this time they may be taken 

 off occasionally on dry days, but should be put 

 on generally at night ; likewise the lights should 

 always be kept on in wet or other unfavourable 

 weather. 



The later crops of melons should be protected 

 by keeping the glasses for the most part over 

 the plants, giving plenty of air in warm w r eather, 

 and about the middle or end of August, (par- 

 ticularly if the season is wet and cold,) it may 

 be requisite to line the frame and bed round 



