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Greek word for Apple, and is the source of the common name. It is 

 supposed to be a native of India or Persia, but as it has been widely 

 distributed in Asia, Africa, and the south of Europe from a remote period 

 in the world's history, it is somewhat doubtful as to where the Melon 

 originated, History informs us that the Melon has been a popular fruit 

 from time immemorial, and that it was highly appreciated by the nations 

 of antiquity. Report says this fruit was first taken to Italy from 

 Armenia by the Roman general Lucullus about seventy years before the 

 Christian era. According to their writers the Melon was a fruit highly 

 prized by the ancient Romans. Both Pliny and Columella inform us that 

 the Emperor Tiberius was particulary fond of Melons, and they describe 

 contrivances by which they were procured for him at all seasons of the 

 year. These were buildings or pits heated with fermenting materials 

 upon a similar principal as the hot beds of modern gardens. This 

 appears to have been the earliest record of plants being grown in 

 artificially-heated structures. Shortly after the Melon was taken to 

 Europe a distinct kind either originated in, or was introduced to, a 

 village a short distance from Rome, called Cantalluppi, and became very 

 popular. This kind is supposed to be the source of the Cantaloupe 

 section, which is quite distinct from the others. From Italy the Melon 

 soon spread to various parts of Europe, and in the warmer countries it 

 quickly became popular. There is no authentic record of the Melon 

 being introduced to England before towards the end of the sixteenth 

 century. When first grown in that country the plant was generally 

 known as the Musk Melon, from the peculiar and agreeable scent of the 

 ripe fruit. This name, however, has been discarded for some years, and 

 when it is necessary to distinguish the fruit from others of the same 

 family, it is usually called the Sweet, or Rock, Melon. 



The Sweet Melon is an annual, and naturally a climber when it has 

 the opportunity, but failing that it becomes a trailer. It has fruit richer 

 in flavour and more luscious than that of any other plant belonging to 

 the same natural order. In Arabia, Persia, and other parts of Asia 

 Melons are an important item of diet, and are extensively used as food by 

 the natives of those countries for several months in the year. They also 

 supply a liquor, which is a popular beverage in the countries named, 

 where its use is general. This liquor is obtained by piercing the fruit 

 when fully ripe, and making a hole to the centre of the pulp. The 

 opening is then securely stopped with wax, and the fruit allowed to remain 

 on the stalk for three or four days, when the liquor is ready for use. A 

 palatable liquor can be obtained from the fermented juice of the Melon, 

 and when this is distilled it yields a strong spirit. 



CULTIVATION. 



Rock Melons can be grown successfully in any good garden soil, but 

 they thrive best in a rich, open, sandy loam. They are strong feeders, 

 and require plenty of nourishment ; therefore, well-rotted manure should 

 be freely used when the ground is prepared. It is advisable to work the 

 ground deeply and thoroughly, and, when necessary, drainage must be 



