102 The Gaeden. 



Cucumber plants being climbers by means of their tendrils, 

 some branchy sticks being placed to any advancing runners, 

 they will ascend, and produce fruit at a distance from the 

 ground, of a clean growth, free from spots, and well flavored. 



2. The Melon — Cucumis Melo. 



The melon is a tropical plant. Our finest varieties are sup- 

 posed to have come from Persia and Afighanistan. In the 

 south of EurojDe it is much used as an article of food by the 

 lower classes. This use may be made of it with advantage by 

 all classes in every country where it can be produced. Its 

 varieties are numerous and constantly increasing. The com- 

 mon mush-melon, formerly so extensively cultivated, has gen- 

 erally given way to newer and better sorts, among which the 

 Christiana, Extra Green Nutmeg, Beechwood, Sweet Ispahan, 

 Netted Citron, Rock Melon, Cantaloup Prescott (a French 

 variety), and the Arica from Japan are much esteemed. [For 

 the water-melon {cucurlita citruUus), which belongs to a dif- 

 ferent genus of the same natural order, see the next section.] 



The melon should have the same soil and culture as the 

 cucumber (except that it requires less moisture), and may be 

 forced in a hot-bed, or forwarded by means of the glass-covered 

 boxes in the same way. Never allow more than three plants 

 to grow in a hill. Three will produce more fruit than six. As 

 the fruit appears and attains the size of a walnut, place under 

 each a piece of tile, slate, or glass to protect it from the damp- 

 ness of the earth, and assist it in ripening by reflecting the rays 

 of the sun. 



IX.— THE PUMPKIN FAMILY. 



1. TnE Pumpkin — CucurhUa Fepo. 

 The pumpkin is a native of India and the Levant. Numer- 

 ous varieties are cultivated, some of which, originated by 

 means of crossings with the squash, can hardly be distinguished 

 from that vegetable. The Cashaw and Large Cheese are the 

 best that we have tested. The Valparaiso is said to be a good 



