GROWING MUSKMELONS IN THE NORTH 20 



crop. The plants were allowed to run at will until the ground 

 was well covered, when <m August 23 the vines were nipped 

 back or headed-in sufficiently to allow picking of the fruit 

 and general note-taking. 



In 1898 the frost held off until September 23: in 1899, until 

 September, and on the following days all the fruit was har- 

 vested and notes completed. 



The striped squash beetle (Didbrotica vittata) was very nu- 

 merous and troublesome. We found, however, that old slaked 

 lime and gypsum were equally as valuable as tobacco dust in 

 keeping them away. When they were very thick the young- 

 plants were completely dusted or coated with these substances. 

 Even when tobacco dust is used it is necessary to watch the 

 young plants closely and repeat the application whenever 

 necessary. This trouble however does not last long, but for 

 a week or so until the plants get a few true leaves, it must be 

 attended to. 



The specimens illustrating each variety, as shown in the 

 figures, were picked September 12, thus giving each an oppor- 

 tunity to mature and be in prime condition. Each was selected 

 as a tvpe of its variety. 



EXPLANATION OF TABLES IV AND V 



111 each case the figures represent the yield from two hills; 

 where, as in a few instances, but one survived, the yield was 

 doubled to make all varieties comparable. In the column 

 headed "Date of ripening," the date recorded is that when the 

 variety could be considered as beginning to ripen generally. 

 In several cases one fruit of a variety ripened a week or so 

 before any other. An asterisk has been used to indicate this 

 fact. In Table V accurate measurements and general compar- 

 ative data of all varieties grown are given. 



For convenience to the reader, the full address of the various 

 seedsmen are given in full: 



Burpee, WrAtlee Burpee, Philadelphia, Pa.; J. & S., John- 

 ston & Stokes, Philadelphia, Pa.; Breck, Joseph Breck & Sons, 

 Boston, Mass.; Henderson, Peter Henderson & Co., Xew York 



