MELONS 
Cuas. D. Barton, Mariron, Burtineron Counry, N. J. 
LOCATION 
In the production of melons we are dealing with a group of 
plants that are almost semi-tropical in their natural habits, and in 
our temperate climates they thrive best in warmest weather. 
They will flourish in moderate droughts, but an excess of mois- 
ture retards growth, and cool nights are frequently a cause of 
failure. <A full appreciation of these facts is the foundation on 
which a successful melon grower must depend for the solution 
of the problems that may confront him. 
Earliness is an important factor, both from the standpoint of 
the financial return and the greater ease with which the fungous 
diseases can be controlled. Advantage should be taken of any 
aid which tends to advance the time of ripeiing. 
The selection of the ground is of prime importance to this end. 
It must have good drainage, so that the excess moisture of a 
heavy rain can run off quickly. For the canteloupe a sandy loam 
gives best results, while the watermelon does best in the very sandy 
soils. A location sloping slightly to the south, or protected from 
cold north winds, has an additional value. 
VARIETIES 
The selection of varieties must be determined by the demands 
of the market to be supplied. In a general way markets are 
now demanding a medium-sized canteloupe, and the elongated 
shape, or Rocky Ford type, is the most popular. Some trade 
demands the pink, while others still prefer the green-fleshed vari- 
eties. The Sugar Sweet has with us proved a profitable green- 
fleshed variety, combining quality and earliness with good crop- 
ping; and in our experience is more blight-resistant than any 
pink-fleshed variety. 
The Tom Watson watermelon has become very popular in the 
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