EUCALYPTUS TREES. 298 
Cucumis colocynthis, L. (Citrullus Colocynthis, 
Schrader.)—From the Mediterranean regions to In- 
dia. An annual herb. The medicinal extract of 
Colocynth is prepared from the small gourd of this 
species. Active principle: colocynthin. 
Cucumis conomon, Thunberg.—Japan. An annu- 
al. The large fruit is used for preserves. 
Cucumis melo, L.—The Melon. Originally from the 
country about the Caspian Sea. The best varieties 
might also be naturalized in our sand-deserts, particu- 
larly on places where some moisture collects. Some 
of the Bokhara varieties are remarkably luscious and 
large. Apparently remunerative results have been 
gained in Belgium from experiments to cultivate 
melons for sugar and treacle. The seeds, thus obtain- 
ed in large quantities, become available for oil-press- 
ing. The root contains melonemetin. 
Cucumis momordica, Roxburgh.—Cultivated in In- 
dia. It produces cucumbers 2 feet long, bursting 
slowly, when ripe, into several divisions. Young, the 
fruit is used like cucumbers; aged, like melons. 
Cucumis sativus, L.—The Cucumber. Egypt. In- 
dicated here merely for completness’ sake ; also be- 
cause gherkin pickling ought to become a more ex- 
tended local industry. 
Cucumis utilissimus, Roxburgh.—Mountains of Ben- 
gal. An annual, like the other species. Fruit of the 
size and shape of an ostrich’s egg, with the flavor of 
melons. These fruits will keep for several months. 
Cucurbita maxima, Duchesne.—Large Gourd. Tur- 
key. Instances are on record of fruits having weigh- 
ed over 2 cwt. Also this species is eligible for natu- 
ralization in the interior. Among other purposes, it 
serves for calabashes. 
