174 Subtropical Vegetable-Gardening 



South, it is not a crop to be relied upon for profit. The 

 gardeners in the North are able to store and keep their fall 

 crop over winter, so it is late in the spring before there is 

 a great demand for the southern-grown produce. It is 

 a good crop, however, to raise for home markets, and is so 

 easily grown that every farmer or gardener can have 

 squashes for family use. 



The seed does not keep its vitality as long as that of 

 cucumbers ; the best way is to test it before planting. 



Varieties. 



For the northern market, the summer or bush class of 

 squashes can be planted. Early White Bush, Scallop, 

 and early Summer Crookneck are the best sellers. The 

 Straightneck is easier to pack than the Crookneck. 

 Golden Custard, English Marrow, and Italian Marrow are 

 good varieties. 



For home use and home markets, the fall sorts will be the 

 more profitable. Early Orange Marrow, Boston Marrow, 

 Winter Crookneck, Marblehead, and Hubbard are de- 

 sirable varieties. 



CHAYOTE 



The chayote is a Mexican relative of the squash, and 

 is grown throughout the West Indies and the adjoining 

 tropical mainland. It is perennial and forms a large 

 starchy tuberous root. The vines climb many feet, and 

 may bear each year a hundred or more fruits, weighing 

 from a few ounces to two pounds. These fruits are pear- 

 shaped or rounded, and deeply grooved. Some varieties 

 have a few soft spines. The color is white or green. The 



