360 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
MUSKMELON (Cucumis Mclo) 
505. History. — The muskmelon, a native to southern 
Asia, cultivated by the ancients, has been grown for 
many centuries in European countries and is now a 
popular vegetable in many parts of the world. 
506. Importance. — Over 75.000 acres of muskmelons 
are grown annually in the United States. The acreage 
is especially large in California, Arkansas, New Jersey, 
Maryland, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Colorado, Arizona, 
Virginia and Texas, with extensive areas in many other 
states. The muskmelon has advanced rapidly in com- 
mercial importance during the past 20 years. Enormous 
quantities are shipped to the great markets and thou- 
sands of gardeners supplying local markets find it a 
profitable crop. The home garden is not complete with- 
out it. No vegetable or fruit is more appreciated in its 
season. With our varied climatic conditions the prod- 
uct is sent to market from early summer until late fall. 
It is a close rival of the peach for dessert purposes. 
507. Botany. — The long, slender, flexible, almost cylin- 
drical stems bear leaves variable in shape and size, 
although usually kidney-shaped, rounded and often 
folded or waved on the margins and frequently cut into 
three to five lobes. While tendrils are supplied, the 
plants are creeping and do not need support in field cul- 
ture. The muskmelon has been considered monoecious 
—distinct male and female flowers produced on the same 
plant ; while investigations made at the Vermont Experi- 
ment Station (Vermont Station Bui. 70. p. 18) show 
that the flowers are generally perfect. In 83 out of 93 
varieties examined the pistillate or female blossoms con- 
tained stamens and pollen. The remaining ro, consist- 
ing entirely of the larger varieties, were monoecious. 
The fruits are extremely variable in size, shape, color, 
markings, firmness, texture, color and quality of flesh 
