92 CUCURBITACEOUS PLANTS. 



generally thought to retain its freshness longer than any 

 other variety, and consequently to be well fitted for trans- 

 porting long distances ; though, on account of its peculiar 

 color, the freshness may be less real than apparent. 



For the very general dissemination of this variety, the 

 public are, in a great degree, indebted to the late Isaac 

 Rand, Esq., of Boston, Mass., whose integrity as a mer- 

 chant, and whose skill as a practical vegetable cultivator 

 and horticulturist, will be long remembered. 



THE MELON. 



Of the Melon there are two species in general cultiva- 

 tion, the Muskmelon (Cucumis melo) and the Water- 

 melon (Cucurbita citrullus), each, however, including 

 many varieties. Like the Squash, they are tender, annual 

 plants, of tropical origin, and only thrive well in a warm 

 temperature. " The climate of the Middle and Southern 

 States is remarkably favorable for them ; indeed, far more 

 so than that of England, France, or any of the temperate 

 portions of Europe. Consequently, melons are raised as 

 field-crops by market-gardeners ; and, in the month of 

 August, the finest citrons, or green-fleshed melons, may be 

 seen in the markets of New York and Philadelphia in 

 immense quantities ; so abundant, in most seasons, as fre- 

 quently to be sold at half a dollar per basket, containing 

 nearly a bushel of fruit. The warm, dry soils of Long 

 Island and New Jersey are peculiarly favorable to the 

 growth of melons : and, even at low prices, the product is 

 so large, that this crop is one of the most profitable." 

 Downing. 



Through the extraordinary facilities now afforded by rail- 

 roads and ocean steam-navigation, the markets of all the 

 cities and large towns of the northern portions of the Unit- 



