/x 



n. 



II. EXPERIENCE WITH MUSKMELONS AT THIS 



STATION 



It is to create, if possible, more interest in this fruit, and 

 thereby to increase its general production, that we give the 

 following data. 



The melon was first grown at the station in 1895, ^^'^iTi seeds 

 sent out by the United States Department of Agriculture — and 

 with good success. In 1896 the experiments were continued 

 by a test of thirty-six varieties. 



During the past season, seventy-two varieties were grown, 

 including those of the previous year. As far as possible the 

 seed was purchased from the introducer, that it might be pure 

 and true to name. There is perhaps no fruit that deteriorates 

 more quickly than the melon when even slightly neglected in 

 seed selection. The seed of all varieties was sown on May 

 29th. The season was if anything an inferior one for most 

 garden crops, there being comparatively few days at a time 

 when it did not rain. 



7^/ie soil was a friable clay loam which had been under cul- 

 tivation the previous year. It was fairly fertile, having been 

 used for a strawberry bed two years before. The muskmelon 

 is not as particular in regard to soil as the watermelon. It will 

 do fairly well on any soil provided it is well-drained and 

 friable. Generally speaking, any soil suited to the cucumber 

 will grow the muskmelon ; a light soil is preferable on account 

 of easy cultivation and earliness. It should be of sufficient 

 elevation to guarantee good drainage. The melon asks for soil 

 vv^ith only average fertility ; too rich a soil induces abundant 

 vines, resulting in poorer quality and lateness of fruit. A soil 

 containing a generous supply of humus or vegetable matter is 

 best for the melon ; where this is not already in the soil it can 

 be supplied by plowing under coarse manure or various green 

 manures. 



Manuring. The next thing of importance is to have a well- 

 decomposed compost for use in making the hills, where it is 



