IIAkVKSTIXG AND >r ARKETIXG MELONS 4/ 



decade will witness still greater progress along this 

 line. (See Fig. lo.) 



The large commercial grower of to-day, who 

 must ship his melons long distances, has but one 

 thing in mind — that is, to get his melons into the 

 market in good condition at the earliest possible 

 moment. As a result, the early shipments are 

 usually picked before they are ripe. Xow. we all 

 know that the melon, like most of our tree fruits. 



Fig. 10. A thoroughbred Rocky Ford. 



will develop a better flavor if left on the plant until 

 ripe, but every melon shipper knows that he can- 

 not do that if he expects to ship any great distance. 

 They would be certain to decay before reaching their 

 destination, consequently they must be picked be- 

 fore they are ripe. But how long before — that is 

 the question. The rule which holds good in picking 

 winter apples will apply very well here ; viz., the 



