FEUIT. 175 



in a strongly constructed box, specially prepared for their safe 

 transit to the exhibition, and in which they can be set expedi- 

 tiously and securely. A good size for such a box, which two 

 men can easil}' carry, and to hold eight bunches on their stands 

 in two rows, with the back of the stands to the sides, is 

 36 inches long, 15 inches deep, and about 30 inches wide, all 

 inside measures. It should be fitted inside with slips and 

 grooves, between which to set and fasten the stands quickly 

 and securely. The box should be provided with strong handles 

 for carrying it, and with a proper lock and duplicate keys. 



The points of merit in grapes are : (1.) Size and form qf 

 bunch; (2.) flavour, size, and quality of the berries; and 

 (3.) colour and bloom. A model bunch of Muscat of Alexan- 

 dria may be described as follows: — Length, from 12 to 15 

 inches ; breadth at widest part of shoulders, two-thirds of the 

 length, and tapering regularly to the point ; berries large, 

 even in size, not squeezed, but so closely set that the bunch 

 retains its perfect shape when laid on the stand ; of a clear 

 amber colour, with a perfect bloom, and free from all blemishes. 

 This description applies generally to all other grapes, making 

 due allowance for their natural variations. 



THE MELON. 



The Melon is said to be a native of the moist parts of the 

 low valleys lying to the south of the Caucasus and the Caspian 

 Sea in Asia, where it flourishes with great luxuriance. From 

 thence it has spread through cultivation to all parts of the 

 world with a tropical oi' semi-tropical climate. Wherever 

 there is sufficient summer heat to bring the Melon to maturity 

 it thrives well and is cultivated with success, even although 

 the winters may be far more rigorous than in Britain, where, 

 to be successful, it has to be grown in a hothouse. It has been 

 cultivated for its fruit in this country since about 1570, but 

 it is only within the present century that it has reached its 

 highest state of perfection, and become so popular among us 

 as a dessert fruit. The demand for it is now so large that it 

 far exceeds the supply raised at home, and it is imported in 



