3i6 



THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 



few veins or nerves ; the segments of the calyx are narrowed from 

 the base to the extremity ; lastly, the stalk of the fruit is always 

 roundish and without ribs, often thickens considerably after the 

 flower has fallen, becomes cracked, and sometimes attains a 

 diameter twice or three times that of the stem. The seeds are 

 rather variable in size and colour, but always very smooth. Their 

 germinating power lasts for six years. The principal varieties 

 which have sprung from Cucurbita maxima are the following : — 



PUMPKINS 



French, Potirons. Gorman, Melonen-i?(^^r-Centner-Kurbiss. Danish, Centner-Groeskar. 

 Italian, Zucca. Spanish, Calabaza totanera. 



Under this name, which does not correspond to any botanical 

 division, are grouped a certain number of varieties of Cucurbita 



maxima which are re- 

 markable for the great 

 size of their fruit. In 

 France they are grown 

 on a large scale for 

 market, and also on 

 farms for home use. At 

 the Central Market in 

 Paris Pumpkins may 

 often be seen which 

 weigh over a hundred- 

 weight each. 



Large Yellow 

 Pumpkin. — Stems 

 climbing, from i6 to 

 nearly 20 ft. long; leaves 

 very large, round, or 

 with five faintly marked 

 angles, and of a dark 

 green colour ; fruit very 

 much flattened at the 

 ends, and with well- 

 marked ribs ; skin of a 

 salmon - yellow colour, 

 and slightly cracked or 

 netted when ripe ; flesh 

 yellow, thick, fine flavoured, sweet, and keeping good for a long 

 time. In the United States, under the name of Connecticut Field 

 Pu7npkin, a variety is grown which resembles the present one, 

 except in having a somewhat finer skin. 



