220 CUCUHBITACEOUS PLANTS. 



weight from six to twenty-five pounds ; neck large and soli'd ; 

 seed-end of medium size, and usually smooth ; skin thin, 

 pale green or light cream-white, diversified with lengthwise 

 stripes and plashes of bright green, the colors becoming 

 gradually softer and paler after gathering ; flesh bright 

 orange, and, like that of the Common Winter Crookneck, 

 not uniform in texture or in flavor. Different specimens 

 vary greatly in these respects ; some are tough and stringy, 

 others fine-grained and well-flavored. Seeds not distin- 

 guishable, in size, form, or color, from those of the Winter 

 Crookneck. 



The variety is hardy, grows luxuriantly, is prolific, and 

 keeps well. It is more uniform in shape, and generally more 

 symmetrical, than the Winter Crookneck ; though varieties 

 occur of almost every form and color between this and the 

 last named. 



As the plants require considerable space, the hills should 

 not be less than eight feet apart. Two or three plants are 

 sufficient for a hill. 



" The ' Crookneck Squash,' as it is commonly but incor- 

 rectly called, is a kind of ' pumpkin,' perhaps a genuine 

 species ; for it has preserved its identity, to our certain 

 knowledge, ever since the year 1686, when it was described 

 by Ray. Before the introduction of the Autumnal Marrow, 

 it was raised in large quantities for table use during the 

 winter, in preference to pumpkins, which it almost entirely 

 superseded. Many farmers now use it instead of pump- 

 kins for cattle, the vine being more productive, and the 

 fruit containing much more nutriment in proportion to its 

 size. It varies considerably in form and color. The best 

 kinds are those which are very much curved, nearly as 

 large at the stem as at the blossom-end, and of a rich 

 cream-color. It is said to degenerate in the Middle and 

 Southern States, where, probably, the Valparaiso or some 





