THE MELON. 171 



(Cucurbita citrullus), each, however, including many varie- 

 ties. Like the Squash, they are tender, annual plants, of 

 tropical origin, and only thrive well in a warm temperature. 

 " The climate of the Middle and Southern States is remark- 

 ably favorable for them ; indeed, far more so than that of 

 England, France, or any of the temperate portions of 

 Europe. Consequently, melons are raised as field crops by 

 market-gardeners ; and, in the month of August, the finest 

 citrons or green-fleshed melons may be seen in the markets 

 of New York and Philadelphia in immense quantities ; so 

 abundant, in most seasons, as frequently to be sold at half a 

 dollar per basket, containing nearly a bushel of fruit. The 

 warm, dry soils of Long Island and New Jersey "are pecul- 

 iarly favorable to the growth of melons ; and, even at low 

 prices, the product is so large, that this crop is one of the 

 most profitable." Downing. 



Through the extraordinary facilities now afforded by rail- 

 roads and ocean steam-navigation, the markets of all the 

 cities and large towns of the northern portions of the United 

 States, and even of the Canadas, are abundantly supplied 

 within two or three days from the time of gathering : and 

 they are retailed at prices so low, as to allow of almost uni- 

 versal consumption ; well-ripened and delicious green-fleshed 

 citron-melons being often sold from six to ten cents each. 



Soil and Cultivation. Both the Musk and the Water 

 Melon thrive best in a warm, mellow, rich, sandy loam, and 

 in a sheltered exposure. After thoroughly stirring the soil 

 by ploughing or spading, make the hills six or seven feet 

 apart in each direction. Previous to planting, these hills 

 should be prepared as directed for the Squash ; making them 

 a foot and a half or two feet in diameter, and twelve or 

 fifteen inches in depth. Thoroughly incorporate at the bot- 

 tom of the hill a quantity of well-digested compost, equal to 

 three fourths of the earth removed ; and then add sufficient 



