THE MELONRY. 365 



( Cucurbita Citrullus) appertains to another genus, and is 

 seldom reared in this country except as a curiosity. 



Early Cantaloupe. Green Hoosainee Persian. 



Scarlet-fleshed Cantaloupe. Golden Rock. 



Beechwood. Silver Rock. 



Smooth Scarlet-fleshed. Cephalonian. 



Duke of Bedford, green-fleshed. Kassaba, green-fleshed. 



Green-fleshed Egyptian. Sweet Melon of Ispahan. 



Green-fleshed Italian. Winter Grecian. 



It is important that no seeds but such as have been pro- 

 cured from approved genuine specimens of the several 

 sorts should be sown. In general, the fresher or more re- 

 cent that garden seeds are, the better ; but the case is dif- 

 ferent with the melon. Here it is desirable that the seeds 

 should have been kept in a dry state for a year or two : 

 for it is found that plants produced from recent seeds push 

 too vigorously, sending their shoots to a great length before 

 they show a single fruit ; while those from old seeds are 

 less luxuriant in growth, but more fruitful. 



The melon succeeds best in a strong rich soil. A com- 

 post, formed of two-thirds of rotted turf, and one-third of 

 old cow-dung, will be found very suitable. This should be 

 prepared for a year at least before it be employed in the 

 melon frame. 



There are generally several, perhaps three, successive 

 crops of melons raised in large gardens. It is seldom ex- 

 pedient to sow before the middle or end of January, and 

 sometimes it is soon enough a month later. A seed-bed 

 capable of receiving a frame with a single sash is previously 

 prepared. This bed, composed of fermenting stable-litter, 

 should be of considerable thickness, perhaps about five 

 feet. Immediately upon its formation, the frame and sash 

 are placed on it, and they are kept close till the heat begin 



