The rather flattering success which has attended my plantation of melons, contrasted with the failure of many neighbors, especially during the past season of unusual drouth, has elicited inquiries as to the method; to which I cheerfully respond, deferentially desirous of contributing even a mite to the rich treasury of modern horticulture. The originality mainly consists in borrowing hints and facts from every available source prior to experiment, in which many experienced cultivators will detect familiar features; so that the method in publishing phraseology, may be described as "a new edition, compiled from the best authorities, with emendations and suited to the requirements of the locality." It may be pertinent to state that the culture was in the open air, or exclusive of green-houses, frames or other mechanical expedients for forcing, insect protection, Ac. difference in the size or quality of the melon on account of age of seeds. Firm, inverted sods, five inches square and two and three inches thick, were laid side and side over a well prepared hot-bed and two seeds were inserted into each piece. The whole plane of these inverted sods was dusted oyer with rich mould, which filled the interstices, and furnished an uniform surface to the seeds.

Another season fine charcoal dust will be substituted. The advantages of the sod planting consist - in the selection of a southern and early germinating exposure by barn or wall; in affording ample time during the germination of the seed to prepare permanent beds; and in the specific quality of the turf in which the melon delights.