62 CROP PRODUCTION 



Cucumbers and Muskmelons 



The Cucumber is a standard crop in every garden. 

 It »an be grown in a shorter season than the other 

 Vine Crops, both because it is eaten green and because 

 it matures more quickly. The fruits for pickHng are 

 pulled when quite small and those for eating fresh as 

 soon as they reach full size. The Cucumber is one of 

 the most important truck crops, especially in the south, 

 from whence vast quantities are shipped north in winter 

 and early spring. It is also an important crop for 

 forcing houses in the north. Colonies of bees are kept 

 in the Cucumber houses to bring about the pollination 

 of the blossoms. 



The Muskmelons are so variable in form and structure 

 that they have been separated into several groups, of 

 which the Cantaloupes and the Netted Muskmelons are 

 the most important commercially. In the Cantaloupe 

 the rind is hard and generally rough or scaly, while in 

 the Netted or Nutmeg Muskmelons the rind is softer 

 and netted or reticulated on the outside. The famous 

 Rocky Ford melons are typical examples of the netted 

 type, which includes the most popular varieties now 

 grown. In certain regions the crop of these melons is 

 the most important product of the soil. 



Squashes, Pumpkins, and Gourds 



The Squashes, Pumpkins, and Gourds are closely 

 related plants, the first named being the most important 

 as a vegetable. Two types of Squashes are commonly 

 grown — the Bush or Summer and the Running or Winter 

 Squashes. The Summer Squashes are related to the 



