render it almost impossible. Still, water must not be given more
frequently than is actually necessary to keep the plants going, and when
it is applied let there be a thorough soaking. At the same time
ventilation will demand constant attention, and, provided the
temperature can be maintained, it is scarcely possible to give air too
freely. In the early stage of growth, and in mild weather, if the
thermometer registers 65 deg. at 9 P.M., the cultivator may sleep peacefully
so far as Melons are concerned. As the season advances, the temperature
may be increased to 70 deg. by night, and 75 deg. to 90 deg. by day. With reference
to stopping, it may be sufficient to say that it is a waste of energy to
allow the plant to make a large quantity of vine, which has afterwards
to be cut away. By judiciously pinching out the shoots, the plant can be
equally spread over the allotted space. The flowers must be fertilised,
and in this respect the treatment differs from that advised for
Cucumbers. The practice has the advantage of allowing the fruits to be
evenly distributed over the vine, and from four to six, according to the
size of the variety, will be enough for each plant to ripen.

==Mustard==.--Those who care for salads need a supply of Mustard almost
all through the year, and to secure a succession it will be necessary
to sow at regular intervals. It is a good plan to keep a few boxes in
use for the purpose in a plant-house or pit, sowing one or two at a time
as required, and taking care not to sow wastefully. The seed may be sown
out of doors all the summer, on a shady border, but nothing surpasses
boxes or large pans under glass. Mustard and Cress should never be sown
in the same row or in the same pan, but separately, because they do not
grow at the same pace, and the former may be fit for use a week or so
before the latter. Do not be content to use Rape, or any other
substitute, but sow the genuine article.

==Onion.==--The modern practice of sowing Onion seed in boxes under glass
is to be commended for several reasons. It insures a long season of
growth and results in handsome bulbs far above the average in size.
Transplanting affords the opportunity of selecting the strongest
seedlings and of placing them at exact intervals in the bed. As a
crowning advantage this system, to a large extent, prevents attack from
the Onion Fly. Sow in boxes filled with rich soil and see that the
plants have sufficient water, although ve