552 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The object of the experiment was to prevent the bacterial wilt. This 

 was not present, })ut the Sclerotiuni wilt, black rot, and Alternaria 

 leaf blight were more or less prevalent. The effects of the different 

 treatments are noted in some detail. The Bordeaux mixture largely 

 prevented the Alternaria leaf blight. The Sclerotium wilt was espe- 

 cially abundant on the potatoes where kainit had been used, a decreased 

 yield of 60 per cent occurring on these plats. Tomatoes on the kainit 

 plats were remarkably healthy, and their longevity considerably pro- 

 longed. 



Lemon Blush has been one of the most satisfactory varieties of toma- 

 toes grown at the station for midsummer and fall crops, and is recom- 

 mended for home use. In planting for the market it is recommended 

 that 4 or 5 of the best kinds of tomatoes be planted rather than to rely 

 on any one variety alone. 



Watermelons and muskmelons in South Dakota, N. E. Hansen 

 and W. 8. Thornbp:r {South DahAa Sta. Bui. 67^ pp. 55-102.,ph. 7). — 

 Results are here reported in tables and descriptive notes of tests 

 of a large number of varieties of foreign and American watermelons 

 and muskmelons during the j^ears 1898 and 1899. Most of the 

 foreign melons were of Russian and Asia Minor origin. The results 

 of the tests show that the American muskmelons are much better 

 adapted to the locality of the station than any of the foreign varieties 

 tested. The smaller varieties proved earlier than the larger ones and 

 are therefore preferred for localities where the growing season is short. 

 From the standpoint of productiveness and quality Jenny Lind was 

 the best variety grown. Larger earlier sorts were Earliest Ripe, 

 Extra Early Citron, and Nectar of Angels. Other smaller varieties 

 which were both productive and of excellent quality as well as early 

 are as follows: Emerald Gem, Pi'olilic Nutmeg, Newport, Rocky ford, 

 Burpee Netted Gem, Round Netted Gem, and Shipper Delight. Large 

 varieties which were both productive and of excellent quality but late 

 were Early Bristol, N. K. and Co. California Cream, and Chicago 

 Market. 



Of the 52 foreign watermelons tested, only 1 was found superior in 

 earliness to the 106 American varieties grown. From the earliest 

 watermelon of this variety pure seed was selected and sown. By con- 

 tinued selection it is hoped to increase the earliness of this variet}'. 

 American varieties ripe September 6 were Light Green Rind Icing, 

 Pride of Georgia, Russian Mennonite No. 7, Peerless, U. S. Dept. Agr. 

 No. 23, Salzer Fourth of July, and Phinncy Early Oval. Varieties 

 ripe September 13 were Vick Early, Ruby Gold, Green and Gold, 

 Phinney Improved, U. S. Dept. Agr. Nos. 72, 18, 92, and 88, Mountain 

 Sweet, BIa(;k Diamond, Fordhook Early, Wisconsin Hyl^rid, Extra 

 Earlv. and Jones. 



