Relation of Weather to Crops 85 



is hardy and is highly recommended ffc>r planting under dry 

 farming conditions. The Persian mulberry branches from near 

 the ground with stout, spreading limbs. The leaves are large 

 and dull green. The fruits are broad and slightly hairy. When 

 ripe they are black, juicy and tart, and are excellent for table use. 



MUSKMEIvONS (cANTALOUP'ES) 



The two terms are often used interchangeably, since there is no 

 real distinction between them. In the West it is customary to call 

 the small, round, netted melon the cantaloupe, and the large, 

 oblong or flattened, netted or smooth melons, muskmelons. Both 

 types are grow'n in the same way, the cantaloupe being far more 

 popular than the muskmelon. 



The cantaloupe or muskmelon requires a rich loam soil, prefer- 

 ably a sod soil, for its best development, a warm growing season, 

 plenty of water, dr}^ air, and plenty of sunshine during the ripening 

 period. 



The seed is planted as soon as danger of frost is over, the hills 



being placed about 4 to 6 feet apart with 8 to 12 seed placed in a 



hill along the water line of furrows to insure prompt germination. 



As soon as danger of insect damage to the seedlings is past, the 



plants are thinned to 2 or 3 in a hill. If the ground is foul with 



weeds or Bermuda grass the hills should be checked and cultivated 



in both directions. As the vines begin to run, the irrigation furrows 



should be moved away from the rows. The crop reaches maturity 



in from 80 to 120 days, depending on the weather and the variety. 



Plantings of cantaloupes made in July in the southern part of 

 the State are profitable if the aphids or plant lice do not take the 

 crop. These lice are very difficult to control and are nearly 

 always present. Tobacco spray, if thoroughly applied every week 

 before the lice appear, will generally keep them in subjection. 



The most popular varieties are Rockyford, Burrell's Gem, 

 Nutmeg, Earty Waters and Early Hackensack. 



OATS 



{See under Grains) 



OLIVES 



Olives are peculiarly well adapted to southern Arizona con- 

 ditions. They are never injured by our summer heat and very 



