PERSIAN MELONS. 97 



Fruit of medium size, or small, round, Ward's M"ec- 

 and regularly ribbed ; skin green, sometimes 

 softening into greenish-yellow at maturity, and so thickly 

 netted, that the markings often nearly cover the entire sur- 

 face ; flesh green, moderately thick, very melting, and 

 abounding in juice of remarkable sweetness and excellence. 



The plants are prolific ; the fruit ripens with the Green 

 Citron, and the variety is recommended for cultivation. 



A recently introduced, roundish, medium- "White Japan, 

 sized, or rather small variety ; skin cream-white and very 

 thin ; flesh thick, remarkably sweet 

 and fine flavored, if the fruit is 

 well matured, almost rivalling that 

 of the Green Citron. It ripens early, 

 and is quite productive. 



Of the numerous new sorts that 

 have been offered to the public within 

 the past two or three years, this ap- 

 pears to be one of the most desirable. White Japan Melon - 



PERSIAN MELONS. Trans. 



These differ remarkably from the varieties commonly 

 cultivated. They are destitute of the thick, hard rind 

 which characterizes the common sorts, and which renders 

 so large a portion of the fruit useless. On the contrary, 

 the Persian Melons are protected by a skin so thin and deli- 

 cate, that they are subject to injury from causes that would 

 produce no perceptible effect on the sorts in general cultiva- 

 tion. As a class, they are not only prolific, but their flesh 

 is extremely tender, rich, and sweet, and flows copiously 

 with a cool juice, which renders them still more grateful. 

 They are, however, not early, and, for their complete per- 

 fection, require a long and warm season. 



