268 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [apre 



Barber/ 8 in a chapter on Cucurbitaceae, gives brief description 

 of Cucurbita Pepo L. ? C. maxima Duch., Cucumis sativiis L., C. 

 Melo L., and Citrullus vulgaris Schrad., illustrating the first-named 

 species by three original cuts. 



Geographical distribution 



The Cucurbitaceae are scattered over the greater part of the 

 earth's surface, but reach their highest development in the tropic.-. 

 Representatives are, for the most part, absent in the colder regions 

 of the temperate zone, the two exceptions being Sicyos angitlatus, 

 found in Canada, and Echinocystis lobata in New England. 



The total number 19 of genera is eighty-five, the Old World claiming 

 fifty-four and the western hemisphere thirty-eight, while seven are 



to both. Under each there are long lists of species, sub- 



common 



s are 



species, and varieties, authors differing greatly as to the number. 



Edible species. — Many species have long been cultivated for 

 food. Probably one of the oldest on record is Citrullus (watermelon), 

 a favorite with the ancient Egyptians. Other important specie 

 Cucumis sativus (cucumber), eaten in China as a vegetable more 

 than two centuries before the Christian era; Cucurbita Pepo (pump- 

 kin), grown by the aborigines in America; and Cucumis Melo (musk 

 melon), greatly prized in Asia and Africa. These have now spread 

 to all the warmer regions of the earth. 



Ornamental species.— There are many varieties grown foM e 

 curious form and vivid coloring of the fruit, among which are 



.1/0- 



Ser 



# 



(hedge-hog gourd), Cyclanthera txfi*» 

 „ t cylindrica (dish-cloth gourd). 



Pharmaceutical species.— Among those used for diug& 



here and in Europe, are Bryonia dioica (bryony), Citrullus Co 01) 

 this (colocynth), and Ecballinm Elaterium (elaterin). 



General characters 



macroscopic 



Flower.— The axillary flowers, yellow or white in c0 °^ all} . 



borne 



They are 



8 In Weston, Microscopy of vegetable foods 401. New York. 19 



TJN'D 



