COMMON GARDEN PLANTS 105 



work with them by selecting individuals that are 

 observed to vary rather than by attempting to 

 produce wider variation. By this method one 

 is enabled in a few years to develop fixed forms 

 well worthy of introduction. 



Not only is it necessary to keep the musk- 

 melons in different parts of the garden to pre- 

 vent crossing through the agency of insects, but 

 it is also necessary to be exceedingly careful in 

 selecting the seed year after year, saving only 

 that from vines that come true to type. Other- 

 wise the stock soon runs out and comes to lack 

 individuality of form and flavor of fruit. This 

 is because the muskmelons have been cultivated 

 for a very long period and have developed many 

 varieties that have constantly been more or less 

 crossed, especially in tropical countries where 

 variety selection is little thought of. 



This mixed heredity is likely to make itself 

 manifest in the progeny of any generation, and 

 constant attention is necessary if a type is to be 

 kept pure. 



The muskmelon grows best on sandy land, 

 and of course a warm climate is necessary to the 

 perfection of the fruit. It acquires a particular- 

 ly sweet, spicy flavor where the nights are warm 

 as well as the days. In recent years the small, 

 green-fleshed muskmelon, generally called can- 



