THE AMATEUR'S KITCHEN GARDEN. 
189 
hillocks. The manure when heaped up must be slightly 
moist, but by no means wet, for we want it to ferment and 
produce a gentle heat for a considerable time. The material 
may perhaps be obtained by pulling to pieces hotbeds that 
have done their work and got cold, or it may be necessary to 
purchase. Jn any case it must be borne in mind that the 
fierce heat produced by heaping up a body of rank stable 
dung is not required, but if it has been already fermented two 
or three times, and is getting short and solid, it is in just the 
condition required, for a good body of it will produce a mild 
lasting heat that will ensure a steady growth of melon plants, 
and enable them to become well established by the time the 
summer has advanced sufficiently for their fruiting. For 
every hillock dig a circular hole two feet deep and a yard and 
a half across. Into this hole throw the manure, and pile it 
up in a conical form until it is about three feet high, taking 
care to beat it somewhat solid with the fork as the work 
proceeds. _ The top must be flat or slightly convex, and 
covered with nine inches depth of compost consisting of about 
one half stiff loam, and the other half bits of turf, leaf mould, 
and very p'otten manure. A little clay may be added if the 
mixture is rather light, for melons require a substantial soil. 
About the middle of May, when the weather is favourable, 
put a strong plant in the centre of the hillock, and cover with 
a common h nd-light or bell-glass. If the sun shines fiercely, 
lay a rhubarb leaf over the glass, and tilt it slightly to give a 
