May.] 



THE FORCING GARDEN. 



725 



The grapes cut off in thinning the bunches, make excel- 

 lent tarts, and are used for other domestic purposes ; they 

 should, therefore, be carefully saved. If, while the operation 

 of thinning goes on, a mat or piece of light canvas be sus- 

 pended under the bunches, the berries will drop into it, and 

 be less bruised, and more readily collected, than if permitted 

 to fall on the floor of the house. 



Water should now be abundantly applied to the plants both 

 at their roots and also over their leaves, by means of the sy- 

 ringe ; the use of liquid manure should now be entirely dis- 

 continued, to prevent the fruit from acquiring any disagreeable 

 flavor ; but the use of clear water will materially forward the 

 swelling of the fruit, and give strength to the vines. 



FORCING CUCUMBERS AND MELONS. 



A moderate degree of heat will still be necessary to be kept 

 up in the cucumber-beds, and air and water more liberally 

 supplied than has hitherto been done. The crops of early 

 cucumbers will now be bearing in abundance, and will require 

 little further attention than the admission of air and a plentiful 

 supply of water. When the vines or shoots become confused 

 or crowded, let them be moderately thinned, so as to admit a 

 circulation of air into every part of the bed; this thinning 

 should be performed by degrees, and not at one specific time ; 

 for which purpose, look over the beds once or twice a week 

 during the season. When the plants appear affected by the 

 too powerful influence of the sun, let them be shaded during 

 a few hours each day, as directed last month, either by spread- 

 ing a thin mat over them, or a little hay, straw, or dry litter ; 

 which, however, should not be put on too thick, nor yet al- 

 lowed to remain on too long in the afternoon. 



Ridges may now be put up, on which to plant out cucum- 

 bers, to produce their fruit under hand or bell-glasses, if not 

 done List month; but it may be necessary, for the greater 

 supply, to put some out on ridges both at that and the pre- 

 sent time also. For directions on this head, see last mofith. 



