10 BULLETIN 401, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
profitable, and if melons vary from this size they should run larger 
rather than smaller. A few jumbos can be marketed to advantage, 
although these generally do not average as high in price as stand- 
ards. Figures covering the net returns of one large distributor for 
the entire season of 1915 indicate that the average net returns per 
crate for jumbos was 76 per cent of the price realized for standards. 
Probably this may be accepted as typical when a fairly heavy supply 
of jumbos is moving. There is no basis for comparison between 
ponies and standards, as pony shipments were discontinued on ac- 
count of low prices after the first few weeks. It can be said, however, 
that ponies are seldom profitable after a few early shipments. 
Netting. — In addition to uniformity in size and shape, a thick, 
heavy netting, entirely covering the melon, is desired. Ideally, this 
should be so thick and heavy and stand out so prominently that the 
ground color of the melon is hardly visible. Such netting is consid- 
ered an indication of good carrying quality and is therefore preferred 
by dealers. 
Cavity. — The muskmelon should be thick walled, with a small 
cavity, and the texture of the meat should be fine grained rather 
than coarse. The seed should be attached firmly to the wall of the 
cavity. Melons of this character have been observed to possess 
somewhat better carrying qualities than those with large cavities 
or coarse flesh. Early varieties are generally less satisfactory as to 
cavity than those maturing somewhat later. 
Color of flesh. — During 1915 another factor in determining popu- 
larity was the coloring of the flesh. Green-meated muskmelons with 
a pink or salmon-colored lining were most in demand, because of 
their pleasing appearance when cut. A number of strains of melons 
with this pink lining were used, and the distributors securing the best 
results usually shipped such melons. Certain strains of pink-meated 
melons which were used in 1915 possessed most of the characteristics 
essential to high quality. 
Flavor. — Flavor is the determining factor in quality. A muskmelon 
may arrive on the market in splendid condition and with fine appear- 
ance, but will not give satisfaction unless its flavor is good. In fact, 
all other desirable characteristics are of importance only as they are 
accepted as indications of fine flavor or table quality. « 
Varieties. — The various factors of quality which have been described 
are all more or less characteristic of specific varieties of melons. In 
1915 three varieties of green-meated melons were widely used in the 
Imperial Valley, these being the Early Waters and various strains 
of the Eden Gem and Pollock. The Early Waters ripened early, 
and therefore some sold at the early high prices, but after it came 
into competition with other varieties it was at a disadvantage because 
of its poorer quality, the high percentage of ponies produced, and its 
