94 CUCURBITACEOUS PLANTS. 



Varieties. These are exceedingly numerous, in conse- 

 quence of the great facility with which the various kinds 

 intermix or hybridize. Varieties are, however, much more 

 easily produced than retained ; consequentfy, old names are 

 almost annually discarded from the catalogues of seedsmen 

 and gardeners, and new names, with superior recommenda- 

 tions, offered in their stead. The following list embraces 

 most of the kinds of much prominence or value now culti- 

 vated : 



Fruit nearly spherical, but rather longer 

 Beechwood. J 



than broad, usually five or six inches in 



diameter ; skin greenish-yellow, thickly and regularly net- 

 ted ; flesh green, melting, sugary, and excellent. An early 

 and fine variety. 



Christiana This variety was originated by the late 



Capt. Josiah Lovett, of Beverly, Mass. Form 

 roundish; size rather small, average specimens measur- 

 ing nearly the same as the Green Citron ; skin yellowish- 

 green ; flesh yellow, sweet, juicy, and of good quality. Its 

 early maturity is its principal recommendation ; the Green 

 Citron, Nutmeg, and many other varieties, surpassing it in 

 firmness of flesh, sweetness, and general excellence. 



It would probably ripen at the North, or in short seasons 

 when other sorts generally fail. 



Citron. Fruit nearly round, but flattened slightly 



cSfowf L OBBKW at t " ie en ds ? deeply and very regularly 

 ribbed ; size medium, or rather small, av- 

 erage specimens measuring six inches in diameter, and five 

 inches and a half in depth ; skin green and thickly netted, 

 when fully mature, the green becomes more soft and 

 mellow, or of a yellowish shade ; flesh green, quite thick, 

 very juicy, and of the richest and most sugary flavor. It 

 is an abundant bearer, quite hardy, and remarkably uniform 



