234 HISTORY OF FRUITS. 



Pliny writes, that " melons, being eaten as meat, cool 

 the body, and make it soluble: the fleshy substance of 

 them applied to the eyes assuages pain, and restraineth , 

 the waterish and rheumatic flux. The root heals wens or 

 ulcers ; and being dried, stops vomits :" it was also used 

 by the Romans in washing-balls and soap, as a good 

 scourer. 



The water-melon, or cucurbita citidlus, is a fruit greatly 

 appreciated in Egypt, China, the East Indies, and other 

 hot climates, where it is extensively cultivated on ac- 

 count of its grateful coolness and delicious flavour ; the 

 flesh of it is so succulent, that it melts in the > mouth, 

 and its central pulp is fluid, like the, cocoa-nut, and may 

 be sucked, or poured out, through a hole in the rind, 

 being a most refreshing beverage to the inhabitants of 

 warm countries. 



In same parts of Upper Egypt, whole districts are 

 covered with water-melons. They are sown in the sand, 

 on the banks of rivers : and it is in this situation, where 

 the burning heat co-operates with the freshness of the 

 water, which moistens the stalks, that this fruit acquires 

 its agreeable pulp. The Egyptians esteem it equally 

 wholesome and agreeable. Sonnini says, their own me- 

 lons are not so good as those grown in Europe. 



In so enlightened an age, we may venture occasionally 

 to speak as theorists, practical gardeners being now 

 generally too well informed to put speculative plans into 

 practice without previously considering well the effects 

 likely to be produced. The author is of opinion that 

 by the assistance of steam-pits water-melons could now 

 be grown in sea-sand only, which, while it retains its heat, 

 would also nourish by its nitrous particles. 



The water-melon is allowed to be eaten in fevers and 



