292 THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



results. Varieties are several. The Citron or Preserv- 

 ing Watermelon (see also Wax Gourd) is a hard-fleshed 

 strain, used for sweet pickles and preserves. Diseases 

 of Watermelon are not troublesome, but pests some- 

 times cause injury. 



Soil. Light, rich, quick, well drained, and in the 

 best of tilth. It should not have too large a supply of 

 nitrogen, as that will make the plants run to vine and 

 is thought to diminish the sweetness of the fruit. For 

 preparing hills, see Soil for Muskmelon. 



Distances. Hills eight by eight feet to twelve by 

 twelve feet, according to the richness of the ground. 

 Plant Preserving Melons eight by eight feet. 



Depth. One inch or less. 



Sow under glass in April or early May, in pots or 

 on inverted sods. Sow outdoors when frosts are past, 

 about June 1. Set the seed eye down, ten to twelve to 

 a hill, a few inches apart from each other in a little 

 circle. Sow six to the pot. 



Fig. 141. The common type of Watermelon. 



