Bonnet-Gourd. 347 



two hundred of them making an ounce ; and they are said to keep for a 

 number of years. 



The principal use of tliis gourd is for the curious membrane of fibrous 

 material, which, no doubt, can be used in the arts. It has been used in the 

 manufacture of a kind of bonnet, or opera-hood, whence its name " Bonnet- 

 Gourd;" and, from its snowy-white color and curious appearance, is quite a 

 novelty. It has been used for washing-purposes ; has even descended to 

 the kitchen, and has been used for washing dishes ; whence it derives its 

 synonyme, " Dish-cloth Gourd." For any washing-purposes, it cannot be 

 excelled, as it is soft and pliable in water like a sponge. It is perfectly 

 clean and nice, and will last for years. As a substitute for hair-gloves for 

 frictional purposes, it has no equal ; and by many it may be considered 

 superior to hair. For washing the skin, it is better than any thing we now 

 have ; and those using it need never wish for a Turkish bath, so well does 

 it perform its office. 



This membrane is so light and strong, that no doubt it could be applied 

 to many uses. It would make good strong rope and paper and twine. 

 It could be used to stuff mattresses, cushions, and pillows ; and is even 

 susceptible of being used by ladies as an article of dress. 



The bonnet-gourd will grow on almost any soil, but prefers a rich, sandy 

 loam, with plenty of organic matter and well-decomposed manure. Its 

 roots extend to a great distance ; and those who depend on manuring in the 

 hill cannot succeed in raising it. It requires no culture save keeping the 

 grass from about its roots, but demands plenty of moisture. In planting, 

 it is best to start the seed in a hot-bed as early as possible in the spring; 

 and, as it makes but little growth until the sun shines down fiercely, it can 

 remain in the hot-bed until very late in the spring, when, if started in pots, 

 it should be shifted to a suitable place, and kept well watered for a few 

 days, shading from hot sun. It should be planted near some object that 

 it can climb on, as lattice-work and fencing ; and but one plant should be 

 allowed to every four or six feet of fencing or lattice-work. The ground 

 near the young plant may be spaded or hoed until the gourd throws out its 

 strong lateral roots, when it must not again be disturbed. Plenty of ma- 

 nure-water will start it ahead. It sends up one main stalk, which often 

 attains an inch and a half in diameter, and from this some ten or twenty 



