GOURDS AND CUC UK HITS. 459 



green spiny fruits which, when touched just before they are ripe, explode, 

 and eject the seeds, exposing the inner surface of the capsule. An 

 interesting plant worthy of a place, if only for this jerky habit. 



I have now very briefly to point out the importance of this natural 

 order of plants to horticulture generally. 



In this country, apart from the economic importance of Melons, 

 Cucumbers, and Marrows, we have not unduly favoured the culture of 



