178 CUCURBITACEOUS PLANTS. 



"White Japan. A recently introduced, roundish, medium- 

 sized, or rather small variety ; skin cream-white and very 

 thin ; flesh thick, remarkably sweet 

 and fine flavored, if the fruit is 

 well matured, almost rivalling that of 

 the Green Citron. It ripens early, 

 and is quite productive. 



Of the numerous new sorts that 

 have been offered to the public within 



White Japan Melon. the pagt twQ Qr three y ears? t hl s a p- 



pears to be one of the most desirable. 



PERSIAN MELONS. Trans. 



These differ remarkably from the varieties commonly cul- 

 tivated. They are destitute of the thick, hard rind which 

 characterizes the common sorts, and which renders so large 

 a portion of the fruit useless. On the contrary, the Persian 

 melons are protected by a skin so thin and delicate, that they 

 are subject to injury from causes that would produce no per- 

 ceptible effect on the sorts in general cultivation. As a class, 

 they are not only prolific, but their flesh is extremely tender, 

 rich, and sweet, and flows copiously with a cool juice, which 

 renders them still more grateful. They are, however, not 

 early ; and, for their complete perfection, require a long and 

 warm season. 



Varieties : 

 Dampsha. Flesh dark green near the skin, rather whitish 



Mclnt. 



towards the centre, quite melting, and of excel- 

 lent flavor. The first-produced fruit in the season is some- 

 what cylindrical, bluntly pointed at both ends ; the whole 

 surface being prominently netted, and of a pale yellow or 



