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length. It has only been known a few 

 years in this country; and, I believe, was 

 not sold in the shops and markets before the 

 summer of 1819; and although they are of 

 so late an introduction, the accounts are 

 very imperfect : but it seems most probable 

 that the seeds were brought in some East- 

 India ships, and likely from Persia, where 

 it is called deader. It is cultivated in the 

 same manner as cucumbers, and is said by 

 those who have grown them to be very 

 productive. This fruit is used for culinary 

 purposes in every stage of it's growth. When 

 very young, it is good fried with butter; 

 when half-grown, it is said to be excellent, 

 either plainly boiled, and served up sliced on 

 toasted bread, as asparagus ; or stewed with 

 rice sauce, for which purpose it is likewise 

 sliced. It is often sent to table mashed like 

 turnips : when full-grown, it is used for pies. 

 It has been highly recommended to me by 

 many persons who have grown it, while 

 others speak of it as but little superior to 

 the pompion. 



