WATER-MELON. 73 



sprinklings with the syringe, or from the rose of a watering 

 pot. 



The red spider is a pest to the Melon. It is a very minute 

 red insect, quick in its movements, generally on the un- 

 der side of the leaf. When observed, lift up the vines and 

 turn them over, exposing the under surfaces of the leaves ; then 

 give them a syringing with soap suds. One or two such doses 

 will destroy it, when pure water may be more frequently used 

 for it is too dry an atmosphere that genders this pest of the 

 gardener. 



Within a few years past, Europe has resounded with the 

 praise of very extraordinary Melons from Persia and Cabul, 

 so much so that we were induced to import two varieties to 

 test their merits in this climate. One variety was very small, 

 about half a pound weight, of a fine, smooth, round form, flesh 

 quite yellow and high flavored, but too small for general 

 culture. The other was opposite in every character, being 

 large, oval, with a rough, white rind, flesh reddish-yellow, looked 

 very tempting, but tasted much like a Pumpkin. Each seed 

 cost sixpence sterling. 



WATER-MELON. 



Cucurbita Citrullus. Melon d'eau, Fr. Wasser Melon, Ger 



THE Watjr Melon is purely a tropical fruit, wisely adapted 

 to the wants of the inhabitants of those countries, who greatly 

 appreciate it for its refreshing coolness, and delicious flavor. 

 It is a grateful beverage in warm weather. It is no way nu- 

 tricious. but its seeds are considered a valuable remedy in uri- 

 nary complaints. There are several sorts cultivated extensively 

 in New Jersey, even to thousands of acres, for the supply of 

 the Philadelphia and New York markets, viz. : 



Long Green, Mountain Sprout, Carolina, Spanish, and occa- 

 sionally a White variety all fine sorts, though we prefer the 

 4 



