CANTALOUPE CULTURE AND PEDIGREED CANTALOUPE SEED. 



CLIMATE 



Climatic conditions within certain limits are essential to success- 

 ful cantaloupe culture, and the consideration of this topic may answer 

 many questions as to the adaptability of some sections for melon grow- 

 ing. First, there should be a long, hot summer, with about five months 

 free from killing frosts, with a daily maximum temperature between 80 

 and 95 degrees during June, July and August, with a night temperature 

 seldom falling below 60 degrees; four months may mature good canta- 

 loupes, but with so short a season, frost would probably cut short the 

 profits of the crop, unless, as is done in some of the northern states 

 having too short season, the plants are started under frames in sods or 

 paperbands; Second, there should be plenty of bright sunshine, without 

 excessive rainfalls; this will secure good quality and lessen the liability 

 to the attacks of fungus troubles, that are so often fatal to the melon 

 crop in rainy sections or regions of heavy dews; without doubt the clear 

 bright sunshine and the arid conditions of Southeastern Colorado, ac- 

 counts for the high flavor and the fine qualities found in the Rocky Ford 

 cantaloupes as is evidenced in the poor quality in the cantaloupes with 

 an abnormal rain fall, which sometimes occurs. 



Sunlight is very essential to the full development of cantaloupes, 

 for the quality is perceptibly inferior in shaded spots; the dry at- 

 mospheric conditions cause rapid transpiration of the moisture, from 

 the leaves, thus inducing a quick movement of sap or plant juices which 

 increases the power to carry and deposit plant foods, thus developing 

 and concentrating the spice of flavor and producing the very highest 

 qualities. 



It is conceded by all experienced cantaloupe growers, that the canta- 

 loupe thrives best in a warm, sandy loam; clay loam and other types 

 of soil may produce a good crop if the tilth and fertility are good, but 

 heavy soils are apt to be cold and backward, causing lateness in matur- 

 ing, and it is also generally .believed, that the nature of some types of 

 soils seriously influences the form, size and other qualities of the canta- 

 loupe. It is true, however, that the average size will vary in different 

 seasons; in seasons of very favorable growth the cantaloupes will run 

 to a large proportion of "jumbo melons" (larger than standard) in 

 seasons less favorable, there will be more small or pony sizes. An actual 

 test of a crop on a piece of land, is the best proof of the fitness of the 

 soil for that crop; for while a chemical analysis may theoretically seem 

 favorable, in practice it may prove otherwise. 



There are many factors that may influence the results; but in general 

 the land that will grow other vine crops, such as cucumbers, pumpkins 

 and squash, will probably grow good cantaloupes. 



Soil for cantaloupes should have good drainage, both surface and 

 subsoil, and in irrigated regions the land must have a uniform slope 

 or grade so that the water will run even, without soaking or flooding 

 the hills; if there is one point above another in cantaloupe culture that 

 needs special emphasis, it is the caution against oversoaking or flooding 

 of the surface of the field; this will be further discussed under the 



