ons, to the
consideration of which, it may be desirable to devote a brief space; the
most important of these, are the composition of the soil, the application
of moisture at the root, the regulation of atmospheric warmth, and also,
of atmospheric moisture; in these particulars, they offer some differences
to what has been previously stated, with reference to the Cucumber.

The soil in which the Melon delights to grow, is one of a more compact
texture than is usually regarded as applicable for the Cucumber: a
suitable compost consists of the "top spit" from a loamy pasture, of a
texture _rather adhesive_, and retaining the herbage and roots of the
grass; this should be collected a few months before it is used, so that
these vegetable substances may be in a _decaying_ state, and it should be
broken roughly to pieces, but by no means sifted; to it, should be added,
about one-fourth part of vegetable mould: the whole should be well
incorporated, and, before using, should be placed in a situation where it
may not be liable to become saturated by heavy rain; which would serve to
destroy the free and open texture, which it is so desirable to retain.

In the application of moisture to the soil, the structure which is
described in a previous chapter, will be found to present facilities,
which peculiarly adapt it for the growth of these plants. In Persia, and
the neighbouring countries, where the Melon is so successfully grown, the
ground is irrigated by means of numerous channels, which, from the
limitation of their exposed surface, are not peculiarly adapted to supply
atmospheric moisture; but are yet sufficiently numerous to secure the
perfect irrigation of the soil, within the reach of the roots. The tubes
or shafts, represented at (_n_) in the sketch referred to above, are
intended to communicate directly with a layer of coarse open material,
extending entirely over the top of the tank, and beneath the soil; by
means of these a supply of water should be poured beneath the soil, which
will thus keep that portion immediately about the young roots, in a
constant and complete state of saturation, by means of the steam which
will arise, in consequence of the heat from the tank. A uniformly warm,
and a thoroughly moist soil, will be thus easily secured, which are two
important points in the growth of Persian Melons. It must be recollected
that these conditions for supplying moisture, are recommended only during
the time of growing