each direction. Previous to planting, these hills
should be prepared as directed for the Squash; making them a foot and a
half or two feet in diameter, and twelve or fifteen inches in depth.
Thoroughly incorporate at the bottom of the hill a quantity of
well-digested compost, equal to three-fourths of the earth removed; and
then add sufficient fine loam to raise the hill two or three inches
above the surrounding level. On the top of the hill thus formed, plant
twelve or fifteen seeds; and, when the plants are well up, thin them out
from time to time as they progress in size. Finally, when all danger
from bugs and other insect depredators is past, leave but two or three
of the most stocky and promising plants to a hill. When the growth is
too luxuriant, many practise pinching or cutting off the leading shoots;
and, when the young fruit sets in too great numbers, a portion should be
removed, both for the purpose of increasing the size and of hastening
the maturity of those remaining. "Keep the fruit from being injured by
lying on the ground; and if slate, blackened shingles, or any dry, dark
material, be placed beneath it, by attraction of the sun's rays, the
fruit will ripen earlier and better."

The striped bug (_Galereuca vittata_) is the most serious enemy with
which the young melon-plants have to contend. Gauze vine-shields, though
the most expensive, are unquestionably the most effectual preventive.
Boxes either round or square, twelve or fifteen inches in depth, and
entirely uncovered at the top, if placed over the hills, will be found
useful in protecting the plants. The flight of the bug being generally
nearly parallel with the surface of the ground, very few will find their
way within the boxes, if of the depth required. Applications of guano,
ashes, dilutions of oil-soap, and plaster of Paris, applied while the
plants are wet, will be found of greater or less efficacy in their
protection. The pungent smell of guano is said to prevent the
depredation of the flea-beetle, which, in many localities, seriously
injures the plants early in the season, through its attacks on the
seed-leaves.

* * * * *

THE MUSK-MELON.

Cucumis melo.

Plant running,--varying in length from five to eight feet; leaves large,
angular, heart-shaped, and rough on the upper and under surface; flowers
yellow, one-petaled, five-pointed, and about an inch in diameter; seeds
oval, flat, generally yellow, but