SINO-MONGOLIAN FRONTIER 
The Chinese, like the Negroes of America, are 
exceedingly fond of Melons, of which they have 
a number of cultivated varieties. First and fore- 
most comes the Water-melon. These are grown 
very extensively, where the soil and climate are 
favourable, and in summer the Chinese consume 
enormous quantities of this harmless fruit. A 
European, who attempted to start a mineral water 
factory in T’ai-yiian Fu, found in the Water-melon 
an unconquerable competitor, and finally was 
forced to abandon the enterprise. 
Besides the Water-melon there is a long soft 
White Melon, with a delicate flavour known as 
“* Ts’ai kua ” (Vegetable Melon), also small orange 
and green Melons, known respectively as T’ien 
kua (Sweet Melon) and Hsiang kua (Scented Melon). 
Pumpkins of various kinds also occur, chief 
amongst which are Cucurbita maxima, C. moschata 
and C. pepo. The Cucumber, though scarcely a 
fruit, is also extensively grown. None of these 
Melons or Pumpkins are found in a wild state. 
iii. FLOWERS 
Under this heading comes so vast an array of 
plants, that it is impossible to do them even the 
barest justice in a portion of a chapter. I must 
be content with a mere skimming of the surface, 
mentioning a few of the more important Orders, 
and the chief representatives of each. 
In many places the mountains of Shansi and 
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