CULTIVATION AM> IMI'ROVEMKNT OF THE WATKK MKLON. 



Numerous instances of similar import to the above have come under our observa- 

 tion — but this will answer, at present, to demonstrate the principle of neglect and, 

 in some cases, utter recklessness on the part of transportntiou aL'onts. Something 

 should be done whereby the responsibility cannot be shifted with impunity from one 

 line on to another. For it is plain to be seen that to trace out the defalcation — 

 prosecute and carry on a suit in law, some hundreds of miles distant from home, is 

 no easy task, and in the end is attended with more expense, in many instances, than 

 the amount at issue is worth. 



Very often blame is laid at the door of Nurserymen for bad packing, when it 

 should attach to Carriers — and I have no doubt that this class of citizens lose an- 

 nually large amounts in having to duplicate orders without remuneration. The two 

 leading causes of complaint towards common carriers, are, — first, wilful detention on 

 the part of rail roads; and second, bad stowage on steam boats. 



"We think if a convention of Nurserymen and dealers were to be held, and they 

 should give a decided expression of their feelings upon the subject, we would hear 

 no more of trees being detained, and exposed, on a sunny wharf for two weeks, when 

 only about ten hours from their destination. 



[The evil complained of by our correspondent is a most serious one. We are now 

 suffering the loss of some of the products of fine fruit trees which might be in full 

 bearing at this moment, from the utter recklessness of transporters; the rail road, 

 which should be the greatest boon to producers and consumers of perishable articles, 

 has become a nuisance, by creating expectations and charging a remuneration for 

 services unperformed. An effort has been made to remedy this intolerable evil, not 

 without some success in certain quarters, and we endorse our correspondents sugges- 

 tion that a "convention" should proclaim the evil; the next pomological meeting 

 would be a suitable time to pass resolutions and address a circular to the Presidents 

 of eveiy road in the Union. 



Conductors and agents arc fast becoming an irresponsible, careless class; baggage 

 of all kinds is tumbled about and mashed whenever practicable, with a gratification 

 that seems to say, " I would serve the owner just so, if I dare !" Poor human 

 nature, it can scarcely bear to be dressed in a little "brief authority."] 



CULTIVATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE WATER MELON. 



BY EDWARD DEEKER, GARDENER TO J. Q. JONES, NEW BRIGHTON, 

 STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK. 



The Water Melon is unanimously considered the most deliciously cool and refreshing 

 fruit we can boast of, and perhaps with the exception of the Peach and Musk Melon 

 most sought after both by rich and poor, each grade of society being anxious for his 

 share of this most grateful summer beverage; the one taking his with wine, etc., 

 fter a good dinner, and the other his at the nearest stall to be found at the corner 

 street in our large cities. 



