THE SQUASH. 215 



The Turban Squash is not early, and should have a rich, 

 warm soil, and the advantage of the whole season. Though 

 its keeping properties are not particularly good, it is early fit 

 for the table ; and for use in autumn or early in winter must 

 be classed as one of the best of all varieties. The weight 

 varies from five to eight pounds, and the specific gravity is 

 said to exceed that of any other known sort. 



After harvesting, the fruit should be immediately stored in 

 a dry and warm situation, laid upon the side to avoid injury 

 to the seed or acorn end, which is peculiarly liable to decay, 

 and in this position remain undisturbed till required for use. 



In favorable situations, and under high culture, six tons 

 have been obtained from an acre. 



A sub-variety prob- 

 ably the result of accli- 

 mation is known as 

 the Improved Turban. 

 Compared with the orig- 

 inal, the plant is hardier, 

 yields more abundantly, 

 and the fruit, besides be- 

 ing quite as sweet and 

 delicate, is a much bet- 

 ter keeper, and nearly or improved Turban squash. 

 quite equal in quality to that of the best Autumnal Marrow. 



Plant running ; leaves large, not lobed, but Valparaiso, 

 cut in rounded angles on the borders ; fruit ^so. pCoMM^o- 

 oval, about sixteen inches in length, ten or 

 eleven inches in diameter, slightly ribbed, and largest at the 

 blossom-end, which often terminates in a wart-like excres- 

 cence ; skin cream-white, sometimes smooth and polished, 

 but often more or less reticulated, or netted ; flesh compara- 

 tively thick, orange-yellow, generally dry, sweet, and well 



