By Mr. John Lindley. 



557 



Till the Melon of Keiseng was tasted, this was esteemed 

 the most highly of the Persian sorts, but it must yield to 

 that variety, both in beauty of appearance and in excellence 

 of flavour. It is equally rich perhaps, but neither so juicy 

 nor so cooling. The flesh when in a state of decay, acquires 

 a disagreeable pungent flavour, which is found indeed in all 

 melons, but which is more distinct in this than in any other 

 sort I have tasted. A good bearer, but tender. 



Seeds of this variety were distributed, before the true 

 designation was ascertained, under the name of the Ostrich 

 Egg Melon, which must now be considered cancelled. 



III. The Daree Melon. 



This resembles the last in colour and many other points. 

 It is of the same figure, but the rind when netted, exhibits 

 coarser reticulations ; like it, it is subject to become smooth. 

 The principal differences are in the stalk, which is two inches 

 and a hall long, and in the flesh, which is white, not green, 

 thick, crisp, melting; when fully ripened very sweet, but 

 rather insipid if imperfectly matured : it is always however 

 cool and pleasant. It is generally larger and broader than 

 the Geree, measuring nine inches by six, and is a much more 

 abundant bearer. 



Upon the whole, this must be considered a finer fruit 

 than the Geree, but less highly flavoured. The Vines are 

 unusually robust, and continue growing till the middle of 

 September. 



