work must not be done so late as to risk the foliage being wet when night comes on.  There will be occasions when it may be advisable to avoid touching the leaves with water, if there is no probability of their drying before nightfall.  In such a case the moisture can be kept up by freely sprinkling the floor and walls.  Cucumbers cannot thrive if they are dry at the roots, but although there should be no stint of water, it must be given with judgment; and it is of the utmost importance that the drainage should be effectual, for stagnant water is even more injurious than a dry soil.  A few sticks placed in various parts of the bed, reaching down to the slates, will serve as indicators.  Draw and inspect them occasionally, and a pretty correct idea of the condition of the soil will be obtained.  The water should be of the same temperature as the house; if applied cold the plants will sustain a serious check.  In the event of the bed falling somewhat below the proper temperature, the water may with advantage be a few degrees higher than usual.

==Horse-radish== should be planted early, to insure fine roots for next Christmas beef.

==Leek==.—­Those who wish to produce stems of superb size and beautiful texture must sow in heat during this month or early in February, for a longer period of growth is requisite than for ordinary crops.  When sufficient root growth has been made, transplant into larger pots, and in due course transfer these to a frame where the plants may be gradually hardened off for putting out into specially prepared trenches in April.

==Lettuces== will soon be in demand, and the early hearts will be particularly precious.  Sow a few sorts in pans, in frames, or on gentle hot-beds, to be ready for planting out by-and-by.

==Melon==.—­Although the Melon is a fruit, its culture naturally forms part of the routine of a vegetable garden.  Up to a certain point it may be grown in the same house with Cucumbers; but after that point is reached, the two plants need widely different treatment.  Cucumbers are cut when young, and must be grown in a warm and humid atmosphere from beginning to end.  Melons need warmth, and at the commencement moisture also; but the fruit has to be ripened, and after it is set dry treatment becomes essential for the production of a rich flavour with plenty of aroma.  In large gardens, three crops of Melons are usually grown in the same house in one season.  A light soil is advisable at the beginning of the year, but later in the season a heavier compost may be employed.  For the first sowing select an early variety, and at the beginning of this month put the seed in separate pots.  Re-pot the plants once, and they will be ready for the beds by the first week of February.  Melons from this sowing should be fit for table in May, which is quite as early as they can be produced with any sugar in them.  Until the fruits begin to swell the treatment advised for Cucumbers will suit Melons also.  Afterwards the