WM. C. BECKERT. 



ALLEGHENY. PA. 



Xhe Finest MmsIc -Melons. 



(9}ieIonen.) 



Although the melon is a tropical fruit or vegetable, and can be grown more easil.\ 

 arid to greater perfection in warm climates and rich, sandy soil, than under other con 

 ditions, still under the colder skies of the north, and even on indifferent soils, whicli 

 have been properly enriched, fine and luscious fruits can be grown. One of the sweetest 

 melons I ever ate was grown in Michigan, 45° north latitude, and fruits of Cuban 

 Queen, weighing 69 pounds each, have bsen grown on cold clay soil in northern Ohio. 

 It is not well to pjant melons near cucumbers, pumpkins, or other veeetables of this 

 class, as the pollen from the flowers will mix, and the fruitsof the melons thus be injured. 

 This, and heavy rains at the time of ripening, will destroy the flavor of fruits from the 

 finest stock. 



MUSK-MELONS. 



If, by mall, add postagre at the rate of 8 cts. per pound, for half pound and upward. 

 Musk-melon seeds should not be planted outdoors until all dangers from frost is over, 



and the ground has become 

 warm and dry. The hills 

 should be about 6 feet apart, 

 and carefully prepared. Rich 



earth is far better for the young plants than manure, but if the latter must be 

 see that it is well rotted. Plant from 6 to 12 seeds in a hill, and when the young 

 seedlings are strong enough to resist the attacks of insects thin them, leaving three 

 of the strongest in each hill. The vines should have clean cultivation until thev 

 cover the ground, and if they grow too rank, the tips of the shoots should be pinched 

 offlKvhen the vines are about three inches long, thus causing them to set more fruits, 

 b<id develop them to finer size. An ounce of seed will plant about 80 hills. 

 EXTRA EARLY HACKENSACK. A careful selection from the Hacken- 

 sack, and with fruits much like the parents in shape and quality of the flesh, but 

 ready for market ten days earlier ; the}' are of good size, weighing from 5 to 10 

 pounds each. Pkt. 5 cts., oz. 10 cts., }-i\h. 25 cts., lb. 60 cts. 

 [ACEENSACE, or TURK'S CAP. This Musk-melon is grown more ex- 

 tensively, perhaps, than any other variety. The fruits grow to fine size, are 

 roundish flat, irregularly ribbed and densely netted ; the flesh is light green, 

 thick, sweet and juicy; the vines are productive. Pkt. 5 cts., oz. 10 cts., 

 tlb. 25 cts., lb. 60 cts. 

 iSMERAIiD GEM. An extra early variety, with small, smooth-ribbed, dark 

 y- — ===,==^ — ^ — green fruits ; the flesh is thick and salmon-colored, granular, sweet and rich ; 



Emerald Gem. very attractive to the eye when served on the table, as well as delicious to thc- 



^ taste ; the vines bear heavily. Pkt. 5 cts., oz. 10 cts., H\h. 25 cts., lb. 60 cts. 



PRINCESS, or PERFECTION. A notably fine variety, with fruits having flesh so thick and seed cavity so small that they seem 

 almost solid. The rind isthin, tough, and sparingly netted ; 

 the flesh a rich salmon color, fine-grained, sugary and melt- 

 ing : the vines are strong-growing and productive; a good 

 market and shipping melon, and also one of the best sorts 

 for home gardens. Pkt. 5c., oz. loc, lb. 25c., lb. 60c. 

 BANQUET. A very promising new Musk-melon, said by 

 many experienced growers to be the finest of the red-fleshed 

 sorts ; the fruits are of medium size, flattened at both ends, 

 and beautifully netted ; the flesh is a bright salmon color, 

 uniformly thick, and ripens close up to the rind ; sweet, 

 juicy, and of the granular, melting character which always 

 indicates a good melon. The illustration is reproduced 

 from a photograph. Pkt. 5c., oz. loc, H\h. 25c., lb. 60c. 

 MONTREAL MARKET. Well adapted to northern cli- 

 mates, and highly esteemed, and extensively grown around 

 the city fiorn which it takes its name. The melons are of 

 fine size, with green, deeply ribbed and densely netted 

 rind ; the flesh is light green, thick, firm, sweet and deli- 

 cious. Pkt. 5 cts., oz. 10 cts., Klb. 25 cts., lb. 60 cts. 

 ^HICAGO MARKET. Grown very largely for the mar- 

 r kets of the west, and there esteemed as the best of the Nut- 

 meg race. The fruits ripen quite early, and are uniformly 

 large and well-shaped ; the flesh is thick, light green, and 

 exceedingly good. Pkt. 5c., oz. loc, 3ilb. 25c., lb. 6oc. 

 i^vPiSILLER'S CREAM, or OSAGE. This variety produces 

 iine, attractive fruits, which sell quickly in market, and, 

 /therefore, is a favorite among truckers. The fruits are large 

 / and round, with light green, netted skin and thick, sweet, 

 ^ salmon-colored flesh. Pkt. 5c., oz. loc, Klb. 25c., lb. 60c. 

 ; ''the COLUMBUS. Of good marketable size ; skin bright 

 glossy yellow when ripe. Deep green flesh ; small seed cav- 

 ity ; quality excellent. Pkt. 5c., oz. loc, VAh. 25c., lb. 6oc. 

 ,- CAS ABA, or PERSIAN. Large, oblong, oval melons, 

 with thin, netted skin and fine-grained, yellowish green 

 flesh, of rich, melting substance. One of the best sorts 

 grown. Pkt. 5 cts., oz. 10 cts., j^lb. 25 cts., lb. 70 cts. 

 "^PROLIFIC NUTMEG. A very productive sort, with fruits 

 small, but having rich and delightful flesh. Pkt. 5 cts.. 

 oz. Iocts.,^5^1b. 25 cts., lb. 70 cts. 



