Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1844-05-16
From the Western Farmer.
MELONS.
Maine Cultivator.

Among the fruits of this kind, there is probably
no class which is so universally favorite as this
1t is easily cultivated, and is always sure to bear
something; but little care will always pay the
cultivaor. The two difficulties in the way of sue
cess are these--to protect the plant from the at
lacks of insects-and draught. The striped rose
bug, las is commonly caled) attacks the plants of
the melon as soon as they show their first pair of
leaves they are usually tender, and cut off at
once, either kill or very much weaken the plant
Sprinkling with ashes, lime or SCOT has been
much recommended; but when the bugs are nu-
merous, they cannot Tor rather | could not do it)
be kept off in this way.
Since last summer have had some very fine
seed sent me, and with it the assurance atsprnk-
ling with sulphur is efieciual against the striped
bug----and little camphor gum near thcTplants
will keep off the pumpkin bug, which appears
later, and sucks the JUICE from the vines. These
two things think worthy of trial But the most
efectual preventative is small box with pane
of glass THE larger the beerl for its top when
pressed down over the HILL, this will bring the
seeds up quick, not only be protection against
the bug but will keep off cold winds and fross,
iithere should be any But must be taken off
part of the day so that the plants may have airand
net be drawn up too weak After the third pair of
of leaves, they get so far advanced that the bug
CdllHOl wei ut>tfOy tHcili, anu tneH inc
with lime or sulphur will be beneficial.
1t is an excellent plan, about the middle of
March, TO plant seeds of Melons in inch pots
which can be set in hot bed. They got well
started, ard may be hardend gradually, SO as TO
be turned out, with the earth unbrokcn, into the
/ hills where they grow about the 10Th of May
When pots are not convenient, pieces OF turf about
six inches thick and foot square, laid into the
bed the grass side down, will answer as we'll
Either Of those methods insure melons month
earlier than the usual way
/ The best protection against drought is to pre-
pare the ground by manurng well with COW ma
nure, and ploughing deep--twce before making
the hills. The manure for melons should be old
and light. The practice in some sections, where
they raise melons for lhr market, is TO make a
hole for each hill about ten inches square, and the
same depth after the ground is well prepared 1;
this will fill in with rolton turis, light manure, and
rubbish, we'll mixed together with the earth. In.
to this the roots or melons run, and do lot easily
feel the effects Of dry weather, The best melon
that have ever seen was made by turning over
in the spring piece Of turf ground. which was
light and ia good heart.
Four feet between the bills is liule enough for
musk melons, and six for water melons. 1hey
want hoeing for the FIRST three or four weeks or
en- and in the morning when the dew Is on a"ei
that the surface should be kept clean and loose 30
as to receive the small showers. showing noe
is best for that purpose, as il does not disturb the
vines Every man should be satisfied with one
variety Of each kind, and care should Oe iaHe" I"