294 



The Cucurhits 



In the northern parts, the crop is often grown permanently 

 in frames, the glass being removed entirely when the 

 weather is fit and the plants established. Very choice 



melons may be grown in this way; much hand work is 

 usually applied, and the fruits are sometimes lifted and a 

 flat stone or shingle slipped under them: when the melons 

 reach good size, the frames themselves, as well as the sash, 

 may be removed. Every pains should be exercised to 

 secure well-bred seed true to type, in any careful melon- 

 growing. 



Melons are picked when signs of ripeness appear. This 

 period cannot be described, but must be learned by experi- 

 ence. The bright color begins to tone down to gray, signs 

 of yellowness are apparent, the stem parts readily from the 

 vine, and the fruit has attained the full size and develop- 



