164 



On the cultivation of the Melon. 



f f The covering of slates which extends on the south side beyond 

 the frame to receive the Sun's rays, the hot air formed on the 

 surface of these last slates, draws up in sunny weather when not 

 interrupted by strong winds, and adds to the temperature of the 

 space where the fruit and leaves are growing. 



* * Depth from under side of glass to the bottom of pit, north 

 side 5 feet, 5 inches. 



* * Do. south side 2 feet, 10 inches. 



o o o o Lining of grass, weeds, litter and other garden refuse, to 

 be regularly supplied once or twice a week as it sinks, but not to 

 rise higher than the surface of the slates. 



Should this mode of cultivating Melons be adopted, I have no 

 doubt of its succeeding ; and from a trial I made with a late plant 

 of the Ispahan Melon last summer, I have reason to think that this, 

 and all the Persian varieties, except those which are liable to crack, 

 can be matured by the end of August, or beginning of September, 

 and afford a supply, till the middle of October, of very superior 

 quality to any raised in close frames. 



Believe me, Dear Sir, 



Yours truly 



John Williams. 



PUmaston, Worcester, Feb G, 1837- 



