56 GROWING MUSKMELONS IN THE NORTH 



The Jirst fruit to ripen during the past season was on Sep- 

 tember 2, just 97 days from planting. The majority took 

 about 103 days. Much depends upon the season as to the time 

 necessary for maturing this crop. For the data of all varieties, 

 see Table I. Photographs were taken to show the characteris- 

 tics of each variety, which are reproduced in Plates I, II, 

 and III. The last column in the table has been computed to 

 show the average yield of ripe fruit per acre, that it might be 

 compared with other staple crops. 



At first glance, when a variety yields but two ripe melons 

 per hill, it appears an unprofitable investment. Calculation 

 proves, however, that this is a yield of 2,904 melons per acre, 

 which at the price of five cents each would give a return of 

 $145.20. From ten to twelve melons is not an uncommon 

 yield per hill, in which case the returns would be of course 

 proportionately larger. 



Table II is compiled from the various catalogues, to show 

 the characteristics of each variety grown. Such descriptions 

 as " beautifully netted," " excellently netted," etc., are not espe- 

 cially definite ; also the maximum rather than the average in 

 size is likely to be given. 



Insects are sometimes very troublesome. Those causing the 

 greatest trouble were the small yellow leaf-beetles — the striped 

 cucumber beetle ( Diabrotica vittata)^ yellow with black 

 stripes, and the spotted cucumber beetle (jD> 12-punctata)^ 

 yellow with 12 black spots on its back. These insects live 

 over winter under leaves, rubbish, etc., and begin their at- 

 tack as soon as the first two cotyledonous leaves make their 

 appearance. They are very active, and if the vines are neg- 

 lected even for a day when the insects are numerous, they 

 will be practicall}^ destroj-ed. By liberally spreading tobacco 

 dust upon and around the plantlets as soon as the insects made 

 their appearance, we were able to keep them oft. The dust 

 can be purchased from seedsmen at two dollars per 100 

 pounds, or five cents per single pound. We have tried nearly 

 everything, and this seems to be the most eftective. The other 

 insect liable to be troublesome is the common squash bug. 

 We were, however, troubled very little by it. The best rem- 

 edy is to hand-pick and destroy it in the cooler portions of the 



