CANTALOUPE CULTURE AND PEDIGREED CANTALOUPE SEED. 



Plate No. 15 The Ryan's Early Watters. 



Aside from the Pollock strain, there is another strain of the solid 

 netted type, that is extensively grown on account of its very early ma- 

 turity, this known as Ryan's Early Watters; in its general appearance 

 it is almost identical with the Pollock, a typical specimen being shown 

 in Plate No. 15. This strain has made the best record for money returns 

 on account of its early maturity. It germinates a very vigorous plant 

 that sets fruit early, and seems to mature its crop in a short period of 

 harvest, often only covering ten to fourteen days of harvest period. The 

 large yield of early cantaloupes when prices average high, is the strong 

 point in favor of this strain. It begins to ripen about August first at Rocky 

 Ford, while the Pollock is almost ten days later. The color of its flesh 

 is green shading to yellow at the seed cavity, flavor much the same as the 

 Pollock it is little more inclined to the open seed cavity, and will usually 

 succumb to the Melon "rust," which makes this strain or variety better 

 suited to the regions where this trouble is not a serious drawback. These 

 two above mentioned strains constitute the principal varieties grown in 

 the Rocky Ford vicinity, with one exception, a melon of the Osage type. 

 This cantaloupe originally came out under the name "Defender" from the 

 United States Department seed distribution. This has been renamed, "Bur- 

 rell's Gem", "Osage Gem," and "Pink Meat." 



This cantaloupe has been grown in different states, but its tendency to 

 crack open when nearly ripe has been objectionable to it. Under Colorado 

 conditions it has made quite a reputation. The flesh is deep salmon color 

 with a very small seed cavity, it has exceptional fine keeping quality, it 



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