WATERMELONS 461 



comparatively cheap insecticide and is at the same time a ferti- 

 lizer of no mean value, as it contains a high percentage of potash. 

 Varieties. The varieties of watermelons are classed according 

 to color and form. The color patterns are of two general styles : 

 those uniformly light or dark green over the entire surface exposed 

 to the sun, and those striped or mottled with two shades of green. 

 The shape of the melon varies from the globular type of the citron 

 and the Kolb Gem to the long, cylindrical type of the Rattlesnake. 



FIG. 175. Form and cross section of a good table melon 



Besides these divisions according to color and form, there are 

 two divisions of the watermelon family based on use. The table 

 melons are by far the most numerous and important, but the pre- 

 serving melons are grown to a considerable extent under the name 

 of citron. While these are not edible in a fresh state, they make 

 a rich preserve relished by many. The table melons are selected 

 for two purposes home use and shipment. The varieties suited 

 only for home use have thin, brittle rinds, tender, fine-grained flesh, 

 and are too fragile for shipment. Some of the best for home 

 use are Mclver, Florida Favorite, Kleckley's Sweet, Bradford, 

 Long White Icing, and Sugar Loaf. For shipment, Kolb Gem, 



