The Melon 



293 



171. Melon seedlings (X about %). 



The melon is displayed in Figs. 170 to 174. In Fig. 

 172 a young fruit is seen at P. Above at the left is a 

 pistillate flower with the ovary beneath the corolla; above 

 right is a staminate 

 flower, lacking the 

 ovary. 



A light warm easily- 

 tilled clean soil is 

 usually chosen for the 

 melon. Shallow till- 

 age should be fre- 

 quent, that the plant 

 may grow strongly and continuously. It is useless to 

 attempt to grow melons on cold, backward or hard heavy 

 lands. The melon thrives particularly well in the 

 irrigated regions; parts of the West and far Southwest 

 are large producers. 



The distance of planting depends somewhat on the 

 variety and also on the room at the grower's disposal. If 

 land is ample, 6x6 feet is a good distance, but 4x6 feet 

 is commonly advised. If the soil is not deep and fertile, 

 " hills " may be made by working well-rotted manure into 

 the earth where the plants are to stand and perhaps by 

 adding quickly available commercial fertilizer. 



Seeds may be planted in the field as soon as the weather 

 is finally settled and the soil warm. Twice as many seeds 

 should be put in as are required to make the stand, to allow 

 for insect injury and accidents. Two or three strong 

 plants are finally left in each hill. For early melons, and 

 also fbr late-maturing kinds, plants may be started in 

 frames, on turves or in berry boxes, veneer boxes, or pots. 



