December 2, 1880. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 509 
worthy of the name grown under such conditions ; but of course 
with the assistance of fermenting materials to beat the frames 
success is easily attained in summer. For early or late work 
hot water is preferred, as fruit of full flavour is only attained by 
a plentiful supply of fresh, dry, and warm air during the ripening 
process; hence the utility of the pipes to keep up the requisite 
temperature. The reverse of this is the principal cause of the 
flavourless samples so often met with. Until the fruit approaches 
the ripening point plenty of atmospheric moisture is necessary 
with a temperature of 70° to 80°, otherwise red spider and other 
insects Will give much trouble, as they would also destroy 
the chances of securing high flavour. Most growers have their 
favourite varieties, but I cannot too strongly recommend a trial of 
the Blenheim Orange, as I am of opinion its sterling merits 
will soon establish it as one of the leading Melons, and a first 
favourite with amateurs. It originated by crossing Hero of Bath 
with Read’s Scarlet-flesh, and possesses the distinct markings of 
both parents, with an extraordinary depth of orange scarlet flesh. 
Its constitution is good, the plants being fairly robust, showing 
and setting their fruit freely. It is beautifully netted and hand¬ 
some in appearance, and is well adapted for early forcing, as it 
ripens in a comparatively short space of time. Several practical 
judges have pronounced it to be the best flavoured Melon ever 
brought before them, and grand for exhibition.—W. Crump, 
B Jen heim. 
[We are indebted to Messrs. James Carter & Co. for the annexed 
engraving from a photograph of this excellent Melon, one fruit 
of which is enlarged and truthfully represented. This Melon 
Fig. 92.—BLENHEIM ORANGE MELON. 
received the first prize at the great Show at South Kensington on 
June the 8th, when thirty-one fruits were staged in competition. 
A first-class certificate was also awarded for it by the Fruit Com¬ 
mittee of the Royal Horticultural Society on September 14th of 
the present year.—E ds.] 
WORK FOR THE WEEK. 
KITCHEN GARDEN. 
Amongst matters that may be attended to when the ordinary 
routine is interrupted by snow or other unfavourable weather may be 
mentioned the preparation of Pea-sticks, stakes in suitable sizes for 
various purposes, pegs for layering, and twigs for laying-in the young 
growths of Peaches, Nectarines, and Morello Cherries. The trim¬ 
mings of Privet hedges are the most suitable ; they should have the 
leaves stripped off, be tied in bunches to straighten, and be then 
placed in a dry situation to harden. Roots in store houses should 
have attention, and particularly Potatoes of early varieties intended 
for planting in the ensuing season. Place the sets, as soon as suit, 
able space is at liberty, in a single layer to prevent the destruction of 
the first growths, and to keep the sprouts as sturdy as possible. The 
position must be cool, but exclude frost. Remove decomposed mate¬ 
rial from pits to where it is required. Manure ground that is 
rather strong and intended for spring crops, but where the soil is very 
light or gravelly manure is better applied in the early part of the 
year before the crops are planted or sown. Attend to the accumu¬ 
lation of vegetable matter from the garden or elsewhere, taking the 
opportunity afforded by frosty weather to throw it into a ridge-like 
heap and intermingling about a sixth of quicklime, which if again 
turned in spring will form an admirable dressing for lawns and vege¬ 
table crops generally. Where ordinary care has been exercised in 
this direction much valuable material will now be fit for application. 
MUSHROOM HOUSE. 
Continue preparing successional beds, and as the temperature is 
now much reduced naturally the beds should bo made thicker or 
