262 ECONOMIC PLANTS 



the north, Georgia, Texas, and Missouri leading. 

 Although this melon is raised also in the northern states, 

 it thrives best on a rich, warm, sandy loam well sup- 

 plied with humus. Hills are planted 10 feet apart. In 

 northern latitudes the hole is made from 8 to 10 inches 

 deep and filled two thirds full with rich, well-rotted 

 manure ; the soil is mixed with this until the hill is 

 nearly full, then a small quantity of wood ashes and 

 hen manure and a little phosphate are added. In the 

 south the manure is spread on the field, not concen- 

 trated in the hill. Ten or twelve seeds are planted in 

 a circle about I foot in diameter in the center of each 

 hill and then covered with less than an inch of fresh 

 moist soil. Deep and thorough cultivation is neces- 

 sary at first, followed by more shallow tillage after the 

 vines begin to run. In the north the fruit does not 

 begin to ripen until August. 



Note. To make sure of early ripening, melons are often started 

 under glass. Two or three seeds are planted in the center of small 

 squares of sod packed closely together with the grass side down. The 

 squares with the growing melon are transferred to the field or garden 

 when the weather permits without injury to the plant. 



