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seedlings. This method of propagation is seldom adopted except in the 

 case of new varieties which are required to increase quickly, or when 

 eed cannot be readily obtained. 



CLASSES. 



Hock Melons are classed in two divisions, which are known respectively 

 as Green-fleshed and Scarlet-fleshed. Each division embraces a large 

 'number of varieties, and these are to be found in seedsmen's catalogues? 

 These, however, often get so mixed by natural hybridization that there 

 is much confusion respecting them, and they are sometimes not easily 

 recognised. Unless the seed can be saved without risk of its being 

 affected by other members of the family growing in the same locality, a 

 variety cannot be depended on. Owing to this difficulty seed of the 

 most reputable varieties will often produce plants that yield fruit different 

 in many respects to what has been expected. Taking these matters into 

 consideration, no useful purpose will be served by giving a list of 

 varieties. 



WATER MELON. 



The Water Melon (known as Cucurbit^ citrulhis or Cucumis citrullus) 

 is a very popular and useful fruit in tropical and semi-tropical countries. 

 It is naturally a very widely dispersed plant, and it is indigenous to 

 Western Asia, the south of Europe, Egypt, and South America. The 

 fruit, which often attains a considerable size, is sweet, very succulent, and 

 cooling. Tt is highly prized by the natives of Egypt, Syria, Turkey, and 

 other warm countries in Asia, Africa, and America, where it is extensively 

 cultivated. It thrives well in the warmer parts of Australia, but it is 

 not so well adapted for the cooler regions, though it may be cultivated 

 successfully in these localities with a little extra care. In its cultivation 

 this plant requires similar treatment to that recommended for the Bock 

 Melon, but it is more hardy and vigorous, and requires more space 

 between the plants. Growers will often, and more especially in cold late 

 districts, find it an advantage to forward the plants by raising them in 

 heat, and so getting a start early in the season. Too frequently the 

 plants are late in making their growth, aud, as a consequence, the fruit is 

 small, deficient in quality, and comes in so late that it is not properly 

 appreciated. There are numerous varieties of the Water Melon in the 

 catalogues, but as they readily mix they are somewhat confused. The 

 best fruits are those that have a red or deep pink pulp, with plenty of 

 juice. Ripeness may be ascertained by lightly pressing on the Melon 

 with the hand, when, if mature and fit for use, the fruit will be heard to 

 crack slightly. 



MELON SHRUB. 



HISTORY AND USES. 

 The plant known under this name is Xolanum Guatamalense, a small 



