THE SQUASH. 211 



Southern farmer may save his own squash seed, but for 

 fear of mixing, he must, as with all the other members of 

 the same family, avoid having any others of the same 

 family growing near by. 



SOIL AND CULTIVATION. 



The squash is a little more hardy than the melon and 

 cucumber, and is planted from about the last of February 

 up to the middle of March, in the latitude of Savannah, 

 and, of course, earlier to the southward. This crop re- 

 quires a light, warm soil, and liberal manuring, particularly 

 when planted so early. It is usually grown in hills four 

 or five feet apart each way, the manure being dug in 

 somewhat, as recommended for melons, at the rate of 

 two shovelfuls to the hill. From six to ten seeds are 

 sown to each hill, and the plants thinned to a stand after 

 the development of a couple of rough leaves. 



Instead of growing in the hill, and leaving two plants 

 in each as is usually practised, I prefer to manure in the 

 drill, to sow the seed at two feet apart, and to leave, final- 

 ly, but a single plant every two feet. If sown as early as 

 March 1st, it is advisable to make at least a second sowing. 

 The cultivation is the same as for cucumbers. 



MARKETING. 



If squashes intended for shipment to the Northern 

 markets, were to be picked, or rather cut (for they 

 should never be broken from the plant) in as green and 

 tender condition, as for the local demand, they would 

 arrive at their destination, bruised, blackened, and unsal- 

 able. Even if they could be delivered in sound condition, 

 squashes in such an early stage of growth would not suit 

 the trade. The proper time to pick them is when they 

 have nearly attained their full growth, and for the scallop 

 variety, just as they have lost the green, and are acquiring 



