VEGETABLES DESCRIPTION AND CULTURE. 443 



The following are also classed as superior melons by 

 experimenters: Lone Star, Pride of Georgia, Scaly 

 Bark, Sugar Loaf. 



See spraying calendar for remedies against diseases. 



Culture. — The watermelon likes a deep, rich, sandy 

 soil. Where this plant is most successfully cultivated, it 

 always grows upon sand. The hills should be not less 

 than teu or twelve feet apart in warm climates, and seven 

 or eight at the North. Do not plant until the ground is 

 warm, and cultivate exactly in the same manner as the 

 muskmelon and cucumber. It should not be grown 

 within one hundred feet of other melons, gourds, etc., if 

 you would gather pure seed. Protect from insects as 

 directed in the article, Cucumber. The melon worm does 

 not annoy the watermelon. 



Use. — This is a wholesome fruit, very popular in sum- 

 mer from its beauty and the refreshing coolness of its 

 juice. It is not very nutritious, as it contains ninety-five 

 per cent, of water. It is not by any means as nourishing 

 as the muskmelon, and lacks its peculiar rich flavor. The 

 outer rind is used for preserves. In many parts of Europe 

 the juice is boiled into a pleasant syrup, or made into 

 beer. 



Marketing.— This is done in box-cars which are well 

 ventilated. The smaller melons are placed on the bottom 

 and the larger at the top. The smaller will stand pres- 

 sure better. Pack securely to prevent the melons from 

 moving about during transit. 



HERBS FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES. 



A few roots of the most useful of these should be found 

 in every garden. The medicinal properties of many of 

 them depend upon their aromatic qualities, and they are 

 never so fragrant and full of virtue when grown upon 



