SQUASH. 



123 



SQUASH. 



Cucurbita Melopepo. — Courge au Potiron, Fr. 



This vegetable is in general use from June to August, or 

 even October, and is extensively cultivated in this vicinity for 

 the market. There i3 no garden, however unpretending, should 

 omit its culture. 



They may be cooked in the very simplest form, requiring 

 about an hour's boiling in water. When done, mash well, 

 place them in a colander and press out the water freely. Sea- 

 son with pepper, cream and butter, and dish them up for the 

 table. 



There are several sorts for both Summer and Winter use. 

 The former only deserves attention, as the latter are inferior 

 to the Cashaic Pumpkin. 



Early Bush, or Patty-pan. from its dwarf habit and produc- 

 tiveness, is preferred for early crops. It is of a yellowish- 

 white color, round and pan-shaped. Many acres of them are 

 grown for our markets. 



Green Striped., or Large- Gretm. — This crook-necked variety 

 is perfectly green, with a few light stripes in it. Some prefer 

 it to the former, though not generally, it being both later and 

 more rampant in growth. 



Culture. — Plant in May, June, and July, in hills four feet 

 each way. in the same manner as directed for Cucumbers. 

 Their general management and after- culture is the same in 

 every respect. Half an ounce of seed will supply any family. 

 They are fit for use when about the size of the fist. When the 

 skin becomes so hard that the nail of the finger cannot pierce 

 it easily, it is unfit for use. 



