MELONS 



7 



with the rising heat, keeping it through the day at from 80 to 

 90 cleg., and closing sufficiently early to rise to 95 or 100 cleg. 

 Before nightfall admit a little chink of air at the top of the 

 house : this is very beneficial when the fruit is setting, to pre- 

 vent the disposition of moisture on the fruit or blossoms through 

 the night. When the fruit is ripening both front and top air 

 should be constantly left on. Of course this will need regu- 

 lating according to the weather. Before the fruits become too 

 heavy they will need supporting, most growers having their own 

 method of doing so. Some prefer using strips of bass, or wire 

 netting ; the nets made for this purpose make good supports, as 

 they are not likely to mark or injure the fruits when swelling ; 

 being of a soft, elastic nature, they expand with the growing 

 fruits. We use pieces of deal wood about four inches square, with 

 a hole of one inch in diameter in the centre to allow the moisture 

 to pass away from the crown of the fruit. As the fruit approaches 

 the ripening period less moisture will be required both in the at- 

 mosphere and at the roots. Only sufficient water should be given 

 to prevent the plants from flagging. At this stage also, when 

 syringing must be discontinued, take about a half-pound of the 

 flowers of sulphur and well stir it in a three-gallon can of water, 

 using it to syringe the under sides of the foliage. I have found 

 this to be an excellent prevention of red spider. The time for 

 cutting is when the stem commences to part from the fruit, or 

 when the aroma is first perceived. When cutting, if possible, 

 leave a good length of stem to the fruit, as this adds greatly to 

 its appearance. Any fruits, as they mature, that are not required 

 for immediate use should be taken to the fruit room, placing 

 them on patent wood wool or dried moss, where they will keep 

 for a week or ten days. 



Insects. — Black aphis and red spider are two destructive 

 pests. Fumigating will destroy the former, and sulphur will 

 check and destroy the latter. 



Canker is a disease dreaded by most cultivators of the Melon, 

 and is very disastrous in its effects, often destroying the entire 

 crop. Severe pruning and a too humid atmosphere, with a low 

 temperature, is often the cause of this disease, although it is 

 inherent in some varieties. Prompt measures should be taken 

 on its first appearance to prevent its spreading. Apply fresh 

 slaked lime to the parts affected, or powdered charcoal. I have 



