THE MELON. 229 



VABIETIES. 



The varieties in cultivation are so numerous, and 

 every district has its favourite varieties more or less 

 peculiar to itself, that there is perhaps more difference 

 of opinion and less recognition of any standard varie- 

 ties among growers of the melon than in the case of 

 any other fruit. From my own experience in widely 

 different localities and soils, I am inclined to think 

 that certain kinds do better in some districts than 

 others. 



Varieties of Melons. 



Colston Bassett — White-fleshed. 



* Gilbert's Improved — Green-fleshed. 



* Dell's Hybrid — Green-fleshed. 

 Golden Queen — Green-fleshed. 

 Heckfield Hybrid — Green-fleshed. 



Cox's Golden Gem — Whitish-green-fleshed. 

 Bailey's Green-fleshed — Green-fleshed. 

 Bromham Hall — Green-fleshed. 



* Golden Perfection — Green-fleshed. 



These varieties are all good, but if making choice of 

 only three, I should choose those marked thus (*). 



INSECTS AND DISEASES. 



Green -fly, red-spider, and thrips infest the melon. 

 The best way to destroy them is to sponge the leaves 

 carefully with a soft sponge moistened with weak 

 tobacco - water, immediately either or both of these 

 pests appear. To smoke with tobacco severely enough 

 to destroy is very apt to injure the edges of the tender 

 leaves. In spring the syringe should be applied 

 occasionally in bright afternoons at shutting-up time. 



