PART V. CULINARY GARDENING. 281 



been imposed on by these quack cultivators, both by men bring- 

 ing forward practices recorded by old writers, and by others re- 

 commending things of no real use. 



Melons and cucumbers next demand attention. — They 

 are generally grown upon hot-beds, or in pits, which will be 

 noticed in the next chapter. Considerable art and constant 

 attention are requisite to have them early. Much depends 

 upon the steadiness of temperature and kindly moisture of the 

 atmosphere in the bed, and much also upon the soil employed. 

 Considerable improvements might be made in the culture of 

 these fruits, by adopting in certain cases the same general prin- 

 ciples which have been noticed above in treating of the vine, 

 and particularly in late crops. In hot-houses, cucumbers may 

 be preserved in a bearing state during the whole winter, as is 

 practised at K no wisely and several other places. The culture of 

 the passiflora quadrangular is, or apple bearing passion- 

 flower, is nearly that of the vine. The chief difference is, that it 

 requires to be preserved in a growing temperature during the 

 whole year. This is easily effected, by planting them in pine 

 stoves or hot-houses. One plant bears an immense quantity of 

 fruit ; and as these are of an agreeable taste and flavour, and 

 have a beautiful and uncommon appearance, one or two plants 

 will have a good effect if introduced into hot-houses. That 

 number, however, is abundantly sufficient for any family ; as it 



o o 



