56 AGRICULTURAL EXPLORATIONS IN THE ORCHARDS OF CHINA. 



There are several varieties — some red, others black, yellowish, and 

 even white. The red varieties seem to be considered the best. The 

 Chinese grow a few strains of these watermelons solely for their seeds, 

 for which there is always a great demand. It might perhaps be 

 profitable for American farmers to obtain a very large-seeded variety 

 of watermelon and grow it exclusively for its seeds, to be exported 

 to China. 



SQUASH AND PUMPKIN SEEDS. 



Pumpkin seeds of the species Cucurhita maxima, C. pepo, and C. 

 moschata are roasted and eaten as delicacies all through China, and 

 also by the Russian settlers in eastern Siberia. 



BOTTLE-GOURD SEEDS. 



Seeds of the bottle gourd (Lagenaria vulgaris) are boiled in salted 

 water and eaten when cold as appetizing delicacies by the rural 

 classes in China. 



SUNFLOWER SEEDS. 



Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds are consumed extensively, 

 either roasted or raw, as delicacies, all through China and Siberia. 

 The black and white striped seeds seem to be the most in favor and 

 are grown in great quantities for domestic use. 



FIRM IAN A SIMPLEX. 



The seeds of the plant frequently known as Sterculia platanifolia, 

 the correct name of which is Firmiana simplex, which is grown all 

 through China as a favorite shade tree, are sold sparingly as deli- 

 cacies in central China. They are far from being of good flavor, 

 however, and as a food will never become of any importance to 

 western races. 



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