26 
The Illustrated Guide for Amateur Gardeners. 
Melons. 
Cultivation. — What is generally designated a Cucumber house will prove also an excellent place wherein to grow Melons, 
and to this fact as opposed to general culturists, is to be attributed much of the success of certain growers. The cultivation of the 
Melon is very similar to that of tho Cucumber up to and a little beyond the full swelling of the fruits. If there exists one 
thing more than another conducive of or to success, it consists in the maintaining of as equal a temperature as possible throughout their 
growth; this is not as readily insured in frames as in houses having all convenient hot-water apparatus, &c., hence some allowance 
must be made for frame growers. The propagation of the Melon is usually by sowing seed, although some do so by cuttings; and 
certainly, when several sorts are grown in the same structure, and there is a desire to continue the variety pure and unchanged, the 
latter mode is the best. The seed should be sown in shallow pans instead of in ordinary pots, as the roots coming in contact with 
the bottom of the pan extend horizontally, instead of perpendicularly, and hence become better furnished with fibres. Sow the seeds 
during either of the first four months of the year, according as there is a possibility of growing them early or otherwise. Pot them 
off , &0 -> in detail similarly with the above, excepting that only one plant must be placed into each pot, and it must be potted more 
firmly. Ihey delight in deep rich loam, and trodden firmly. The temperature by day should average, with daily ventilation, from 
seventy-five to eighty-five degrees, according to the warmth of the sun, &c. By night it should not be permitted to exceed 
seventy-two degrees ; an average of seventy degrees being a desirable warmth. Give at all times the freest possible exposure to 
the full sunlight, as to shade them in any degree is derogatory to their doing well, after once a crop of fruit is “set,” and the 
plants must be kept moderately thin by judicious pruning to insure this. Weak liquid manure may be given to them up to the 
time of the fruit attaining tho size of a hen’s egg ; after which water more sparingly until the fruit are seen to have commenced 
netting or to change colour, when it should be withheld by degrees altogether. The water given to Melons, whether superficially 
or as root-waterings, should always be of the same temperature as the air in any kind of structure in which they may bo grown. 
DANIELS’ IMPROVED GOLDEN 
PERFECTION. A splendid green-fleshed 
variety, regularly and beautifully netted; thin skin, 
flesh very thick, firm, of the most exquisite flavour ; 
the plant is of fine robust constitution and a free 
setter ; we confidently recommend this Is. 6d. and 2 6 
"Blenheim Orange (S.F.). A grand scarlet-fleshed 
variety, is very prolific and a fine setter ; the fruit are 
beautifully netted, very thin-skinned, and of delicious 
flavour ... ... ... ... ... i o 
Gunton Scarlet. A fine scarlet-fleshed Melon. 
Raised by Mr. W. Allan of Gunton Park ... ... 1 6 
Hero of Lockinge (W.F.). Pine exhibition 
variety; very prolific ... ... ... ... 1 6 
High Cross Hybrid (G.F.). A fine variety; of 
excellent flavour ... ... ... ... 1 6 
NEW MELON, GUNTON ORANGE (S.F.)' 
This unique scarlet fleshed Melon was raised by Mr. Allan, 
Gunton Park Gardens, and is the result of a double cross from 
that excellent old variety, Austen’s Incomparable. The fruit, 
which is rather under medium size and nearly round in form, 
is of a rich golden colour, attractively netted, with flesh of 
exceptional thickness and exquisite flavour. The plant 
is of robust constitution and a free setter, and this variety 
can bo highly recommended for its attractive appearance 
and superb quality. Awarded First Class Certificate, Royal 
Horticultural Society ... ... ... ... ...16 
"DANIELS’ WESTLEY HALL (S.F.) This 
grand new Melon is a cross between Read’s Scarlet Flesh and 
High Cross Hybrid. It has the high quality of the former 
for flavour, with the free setting qualities of the latter. 
The skin is beautifully netted, sometimes slightly flushed 
with } r ellow towards the ripening period. The flesh is thick, 
scarlet, and intermixed with streaks of green ; with a most 
sweet and delicious flavour. The fruit slightly oval in shape, 
weighing 7 lb., are pronounced by those who tasted them to 
be the best-flavoured and most delicious Melon that has been 
sent out for years. First Class Certificate, R.H.S. Is. 6d. and 2 G 
Daniels Green Perfection. This choice new 
variety is of vigorous habit, and a most prolific bearer. 
The flesh is very thick and of a pale green, with a rich 
luscious and melting flavour, and of delicate aroma Is. 6d. and 2 6- 
MELTON HYBRID (S.F.). This choico 
variety will be found a valuable addition to our list of 
good Melons. The fruit are large and handsome, 
slightly ribbed, and nicely netted. The flesh is thick, 
of rich salmon colour, juicy and molting, and of fine 
flavour ... ... ... ... j g 
Royal Ascot. A fine scarlet-fleshed Melon, beauti- 
fully netted ; fine exhibition variety ... ... 1 6 
Read. S Scarlet-flesh. One of the best red- 
fleshed varieties, a free setter; flesh thick, solid, and 
of excellent flavour ... ... ... ...10 
Scarlet Premier (S.F.). A useful variety of fine 
flavour ... ... ... ... i q 
The Countess (W.F.). A cross between American 
Musk and Cashmere ; of strong constitution, and 
enormously prolific ; clear yellow skin, beautifully 
netted ; flesh thick, tender, juicy, and melting ... 1 0 
The following Varieties can also be supplied at Is. per packet:— 
Berkley Castle I Colston Bassett Seedling (G.F.) I *Munro’s Little Heath (S.F.) 
Ely’s Seedling (G.F.) I Monarch (G.F.) I Scarlet Perfection (S.F.) 
Abbreviations.— Those marked with an asterisk (*) have received a First Class Certificate from the 
Royal Horticultural Society. S.F. scarlet flesh, G.F. green flesh, W.F. white flesh. 
