94 SELECT PLANTS FOE INDUSTRIAL CULTURE 



Cucumis Colocynthis, Linn& (Citrullus Colocynthis, Schrader.) 



From the Mediterranean regions to India. An annual herb. The 

 medicinal extract of colocynth is prepared from the small gourd of 

 this species. Active principle : colocynthin. 



Cucumis Conomon, Thunberg. 



Japan. An annual. The large fruit is used for preserves. 



Cucumus Melo, Linn6. 



The Melon. Originally from the country about the Caspian Sea. 

 The best varieties might also be naturalised in sand deserts, par- 

 ticularly in places where some moisture collects. Some of the Bok- 

 hara varieties are remarkably luscious and large. Apparently 

 remunerative results have been gained in Belgium from experiments 

 to cultivate Melons for sugar and treacle. The seeds thus obtained 

 in quantity become available for oil pressing. The root contains 

 melonemetin. 



Cucumis Momordica, Roxburgh. 



Cultivated in India. It produces cucumbers 2 feet long, bursting 

 slowly when ripe into several divisions. Young, the fruit is used 

 like Cucumbers ; aged, like Melons. 



Cucumis sativus, Linne. 



The Cucumber. Egypt. Indicated here merely for completeness' 

 sake, also because gherkin pickling ought to become a more extended 

 local industry. Dr. G. King brought under notice and Indian cul- 

 ture the Chinese Cucumber " Solly-Qua," which attains a length 

 of 7 feet. It must be trained on walls or trellises, to afford to the 

 fruit sufficient scope for suspension. 



Cucumis utilissimus, Roxburgh. 



Mountains of Bengal. An annual like the other species. Fruit of 

 the size and shape of an ostrich's egg, with the flavour of melons. 

 These fruits will keep for several months. 



Cucurbita maxima, Duchesne. 



Large Gourd. Turkey. Instances are on record of fruits having 

 weighed over 2 cwt. This species, also, is eligible for naturalisation 

 in the interior. Amongst other purposes it serves for calabashes. 



Cucurbita Melopepo, Linne. 



The Squash. May be regarded as a variety of C. Pepo. It will 

 endure storage for months. 



