58 



An Account of Plants, fyc. 



with perfect impunity. The Turks call it Carpoos ; and 

 give the same name to their artificial globes, from their re- 

 semblance to this fruit, which is a perfect sphere. 



Cucumis Melo ; several varieties. 



The first six varieties of Melon sent are cultivated in Asia 

 Minor, particularly about Angora, from whence I obtained 

 seeds. There is one variety so very delicate, that the seeds were 

 given to me carefully sealed up in a bottle, with directions 

 that it should not be opened till the seeds were about to be 

 sown, lest the essence should evaporate! The following 

 directions were also sent, as to the time and manner of culti- 

 vation : — In the beginning of May the seeds are thrown into 

 water ; those that float are thrown away, and those that sink 

 are suffered to remain twelve hours. The ground is chosen 

 rich, and manured with pigeons' dung. A small cavity is 

 made, in which several seeds are sown together ; when they 

 come up, three or four only of the most vigorous plants are 

 suffered to remain, the rest are pulled up and thrown away. 

 The fruit ripens in August, and is so rich, that no sugar or 

 other seasoning is ever used with it. 



The other kinds of Melon are cultivated about Constan- 

 tinople, and most of them sold in the markets. They are 

 called by the general name of Cavun; and, when they are 

 larger or longer than usual, Vodina Cavun. They generally 

 sell for about twenty paras the oke, or about a penny per 

 pound. One variety is called Kiskaduo by the Turks, and 

 is much esteemed. 



