THE 
GARDEN YARD 186 
the vine. If you want to keep some for seed, 
reserve a whole hill for that purpose. 
For the early-season varieties which are plant- 
ed in flats or seed-beds, the Early Russian, a 
small-fruited sort, is the favorite. For the later 
sorts the White Spine, in various strains, is the 
standard. 
Gherkins are simply immature cucumbers, 
very small in size; they are used solely for pickles, 
usually sweet pickles. The fruits of the West 
Indian or Bur cucumber are also called gherkins. 
The treatment is the same as for cucumbers, 
but the fruits are pulled as soon as fully formed. 
It is quite profitable to pickle them yourself. 
On the average, an acre will yield 100 bushels 
of cucumbers for pickling, but this yield can be 
greatly increased by proper care and attention. 
Under the best conditions, 400 to 500 bushels 
to the acre are possible. 
MUSKMELON. 
The muskmelon is native to southern Asia 
and was grown by the ancients. The melon 
grows best in light, sandy soil in warm, sunny 
spots, although it is raised for market in many 
parts of this country, and as far north as parts 
of Canada. New Jersey is an important melon- 
growing State. 
