Thomas Watkins - The Art of Promoting the Growth of the Cucumber and Melon - 1824

in a series of directions for the best means adopted in bringing them to a complete state of perfection. London Published by Harding Half title uncut. contemporary paper-backed boards (minor loss to spine) first editions Written by the gardener to W. Knight of Highbury Park. Watkins had previously served as foreman at a nursery in Hackney. Contrary to the theories promoted by McPhail (who suggested brick pits), Watkins advocates for the effciacy of cultivating cucumbers and melons in dung beds covered in straw. His work gives month by month detailed instructions on his method. An advertisement leaf reveals that though a plate was engraved for the work, that it was rejected by the author as not adequately portraying his system. Scarce; not in Stafleu and Cowan