8 
HARRIS’ EARLIEST WATERMELON. 
“Ror twenty years,” says Mr. Bb. F. Harris, of 
Tennessee, “‘we have been trying to find an extra 
early watermelon, one that we surely could depend 
upon, one with which we could beat all competitors, 
and one that would be first on the market; and at 
last our efforts are crowned with success. We have 
succeeded beyond all expectations. We are sure 
that we are able to introduce the earliest water- 
melon in the world. We have never seen its equal.” 
There can be no doubt that the new melon just in- 
troduced by Mr. Harris, is a very valuable acquisi- 
tion. It is a good sized melon for one that is so ex- 
tremely early, weighing from 15 to 20 pounds. It is 
beautifully striped, of fine shape, and of the very 
finest eating qualities. It has black seeds. It is 
large enough for the market, and is unquestionably 
a fine extra early melon. and is certain to prove 
to be a money maker. Harris’ Earliest Watermelon 
was originated by crossing Kolb’s Gem with Cole’s 
Early, Hungarian Honey and a small Russian 
watermelon of the very finest flavor. Through 
droughts and floods and insect pests it has never 
failed to make a fair crop of melons. It varies some- 
what in shape and size, being round to oblong in 
form, and weighing all the way from 12 to 24 pounds, 
the average weight being 15 to 20 pounds, as above 
Stated. It is uniformly striped, of handsome ap- 
pearance and most delicious flavor, and is a medium 
good shipper. And, above all, as claimed by the in- 
troducer, it is the earliest watermelon in the world. 
This promising new watermelon was tested during 
the season of 1899 at the Agricultural Experiment 
Station of the University of Tennessee, at Knox- 
ville, and under date of August 17th, Mr. Harris re- 
ceived the following report: “The Harris’ Earliest 

MAULE’S NOVELTIES AND SPECIALTIES FOR 1900. 


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Watermelon seeds sent us for trial, produced melons 
weighing from 12 to 15 pounds in 63 days. It was the 
earliest watermelon grown on our trial grounds. 
We shall take pleasure in making further tests another year.” The 
claim of the introducer is that the melon is ripe in 70 days, but there is 
much testimony to show that it will reach maturity under favorable 
conditions in a shorter period. The following extracts all refer to trials 
made in Tennessee during the year 1899, and are significant in showing 
the quick ripening quality of the new melon. 
M. V. Smith, Edgewood, says: “I planted Harris’ Earliest Water- 
melons, first of May, and had fine ripe melons the fourth of July.” 
J. M. Thompson, J. P., Edgewood, says: “Harris’ Harliest Water- 
melon ripened for me this year in 63 days from the day of planting.” 
W. G. McMillan, Charlotte, says: ‘Harris’ Earliest Watermelon seed 
produced nice ripe melons in 65 days from day the seeds were planted.” 
Packet 15 cents; ounce, 25 cents; quarter pound, 75 cents, pound, $2.50. 
I will pay this amount to the customer who sends me on or betore November 1, 1900, charges prepaid, 
the finest specimen of Harris’ 

A $100 CASH PRIZE. 













HARRIS’? EARLIEST WATERMELON, 
T. R. Dickson, Charlotte, says: ‘We planted Harris’ Earliest Water- 
melon this year, and it was at least two weeks abead of all others. The 
quality is the very best, and we recommend it.” 
C. C. Donegan, Tennessee City, says: “I am pleased with Harris’ 
Earliest Watermelon. I had fine ripe melons in 63 days.” 
Daniel & Loggins, Dull, say: Harris’ Harliest Watermelons sold by 
us this season weighed from 15 to 20 pounds. At least two weeks ahead 
of all other early melons, and the quality is all that could be desired.” 
The above statements and testimonials will, I think, show the very 
promising character of this handsome new extra early watermelon, 
and induce favorable consideration of its claims. It should haye uni- 
versal trial by private gardeners and market men. 
"SCUAS GHA LNVWWVNYD IZAOIN 1¥9T-1N0W 8. dInem 

Earliest Watermelon grown from seed purchased from me this year. 









































































































































































































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NEW NATIONAL WATERMELON 








NEW NATIONAL WATERMELON. 
This fine new watermelon is medium to large in size, and of high 
table quality. Its particular claim to popular attention, aside from its 
good quality and productiveness, is its adaptability to a wide range of 
soil and climate. It will thrive almost anywhere; certainly in any 
place where watermelons can be grown. Hence the name “National” 
seems to be particularly well chosen. It is of Southern origin, but 
seems to do well throughout the North, on quite heavy soils as well as 
on light land. In fact, I think it will flourish and produce its delicious 
fruit on any well enriched mellow ground where proper culture is 
given, and that it will prove a great acquisition in many sections. 
In shape it is oblong. The outside color is pale, with dark markings 
resembling Seminole, but with the markings more distinct. The flesh 
is brilliant red in color, and remarkably solid; so solid, in fact, that a 
40-pound National Watermelon does not appear to be much larger than 
a Seminole weighing only 25 pounds. It is particularly full, firm and 

Packet 10 cents; ounce, 15 cents; quarter pound, 30 cents; pound, $1.00. 









solid at the heart. The flavor is delicious, and the flesh is entirely 
stringless. The seeds are of a light brown or gray color. The rind 
though thin is very tough, making an effective protection to the flesh, 
and insuring good shipping qualities. : 
Many testimonials have reached me concerning the great table and 
market value of this fine new variety, and 1 am therefore sure that my 
Own opinion about it is correct. I regard it very highly, and heartily 
recommend it. The following is what one customer has to say: 
Middleboro, Mass., Oct. 9, 1899. 
Perhaps a word in regard to the ““New National Watermelon”’ may not be amiss. 
I have been a planter of melons for twenty or more years, and for a market melon 
do not think I have seen its equal. It grew to a large size, and what was peculiar 
in mine was that there were always two very large ones on each stalk ; we call it 
the twin melon. I have some now which I think will be good in ‘‘1900.”” 
“Box 292,” THOos. P. MESSER. 
People who have heretofore failed in their efforts to grow water- = | 
melons should certainly give National atrial. For cultural directions # 
see the pages devoted to watermelons, elsewhere in this catalogue. | 
A ove epydPeperyad ‘999198 31901 TILT “ON SA TAVW AW 
