THE WATERMELON. 187 



red ; flavor fine ; quality very good. Productiveness said to 

 exceed that of most other kinds. 



This remarkably large melon originated with a negro man 

 on the property of Colonel A. GL Sumner, of South Carolina. 

 Its large size, and long keeping quality after being separated 

 from the vine, will recommend the variety, especially for the 

 market. 



Form oval, of medium size ; skin pale green, Orange, 



marbled with shades of deeper green ; rind half an inch in 

 depth, or of medium thickness ; flesh red, not fine-grained, 

 but tender, sweet, and of good quality. When in its mature 

 state, the rind separates readily from the flesh, in the manner 

 of the peel from the flesh of an orange. 



When first introduced, the variety was considered one of 

 the best quality ; but it appears to have in some degree 

 deteriorated, and now compares unfavorably with many 

 other sorts. 



Plant running, the foliage and general habit Pie-Melon. 



, ,. A , f^ -, T7 - CALIFORNIA PIE- 



resemblmg the Common Watermelon, but yet MELON. 

 distinguishable by its larger size, more hairy stem, and its 

 more stocky and vigorous character ; fruit oblong, very 

 large, often sixteen inches and upwards in length, and from 

 eight to ten inches in diameter ; skin yellowish-green, mar- 

 bled with different shades of light green or pea green ; flesh 

 white, succulent, somewhat tender, but quite unpalatable, or 

 with a squash-like flavor, in its crude state. As intimated 

 by the name, it is used only for culinary purposes. 



This melon should be cooked as follows : After removing 

 the rind, cut the flesh into pieces of convenient size, and 

 stew until soft and pulpy. Lemon-juice, sugar, and spices 

 should then be added ; after which, proceed in the usual 

 manner of making pies from the apple or any other fruit. 



