The Best Variefies of Cantaloupes 103 



saved from melons grown in that patch. They do not 

 hybridize so readily with the watermelon, but I have 

 seen true hybrids — the melons twice the size of the can- 

 taloupe, partially netted and abnormally large, and 

 the flesh tinged with red, sweet, but without the true 

 cantaloupe flavor. They should not be planted nearer 

 than three hundred yards to other species. 



Of the green -flesh netted varieties, the Jenny Lind is 

 the earliest. While it is small, the flavor is best and the 

 vines prolific. In form, it is round but flattened at both 

 stem and calyx. It should be gathered while the outside 

 is still green, to secure best flavor. Some of these should 

 be planted as first early. Netted Gem, now generally 

 known as RocJi-y Ford, is one of the oldest varieties. 

 This is a small oblong melon, thoroughly netted and of 

 good flavor. This ripens next to Jenny Lind, but is not 

 so highly flavored. This is the most popular melon with 

 those who plant on a commercial scale for shipping, but 

 is well worthy a place in the garden. For shipping, it is 

 gathered several days before ripe and the stem cut and 

 left attached to the melon. Its uniformity of size facili- 

 tates packing in crates for shipping. Its small size makes 

 it convenient for serving in halves on the hotel table. 

 Champion Market. This is a nearly round melon, thickly 

 netted, with deep green, highly flavored flesh and very 

 small cavity. It is medium early and desirable. Acme 

 or Baltimore. This is a beautiful, oblong, netted melon, 

 well adapted to the South. It is earlier than Champion. 

 Its table qualities are very superior. I have grown it for 

 many years. If grown from well -selected seed, its type 

 is very uniform. The flesh is deep green and the cavity 



