6 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Surface roots will now multiply freely, and if the hillocks are 

 surface-dressed about every ten days with bone-meal and loam, 

 it will keep the surface roots active, which will greatly assist in 

 keeping the foliage fresh and green — a great point in Melon 

 growing. I like the foliage to remain as fresh as possible until 

 the last fruit is cut. In cases where the foliage decays prema- 

 turely, I have seen the fruits cut when not half matured and 

 placed upon shelves, exposed to the sun to ripen, but the flavour 

 has been poor and insipid. 



Syringing. — Although syringing is supposed by some to 

 cause the foliage to decay, I must say that I have never found 

 it to act injuriously, but to have the desired effect of keeping 

 the foliage clean and healthy ; which is of vital importance, as 

 without good, healthy foliage well-flavoured fruit cannot be 

 obtained. During bright, warm weather the plants should be 

 syringed twice and three times a day, for if the atmosphere of 

 either houses, or pits, or frames is allowed to become arid, red 

 spider will soon make its appearance, and when this formidable 

 enemy once gains a footing, it is very difficult to entirely eradi- 

 cate it, whole crops often being destroyed by its ravages. During 

 periods of dull, sunless weather syringing should be discontinued, 

 and the walls, paths, and other available surfaces may be 

 damped down, which will insure the requisite degree of atmo- 

 spheric moisture. Water should never be given direct from wells 

 or the main, but should be used as nearly as possible of the same 

 temperature as that in which the plants are growing ; both for 

 watering and syringing purposes, cold water is most injurious 

 to the roots of the Melon. 



Temperature. — For early crops fire-heat or fermenting 

 materials are absolutely necessary. If a temperature of 55 

 to CO deg. can be maintained at night, and from 05 to 

 70 deg. through the day, during January and February, 

 it will be sufficient, increasing it as the season advances. 

 Later on fire-heat may be dispensed with by economising the 

 solar heat, but during damp, sunless weather a little fire-heat 

 should be given to maintain a buoyant atmosphere. As the 

 season advances admit as much air as can be given without 

 causing a draught. It is a good plan to leave a little air on at 

 nigl it, and increasing it early in the mornings on fine days, when 

 the temperature advances to 75 deg., and gradually increase it 



