May.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 359 
Squashes. 
Squashes of every kind, may be cultivated as directed for cucum- 
bers and melons, should be sown at the same time, and at similar 
distances ; with this difference, that two plants of these, will be plen- 
ty for each hill, and that they are easier pleased in soil, and prepa- 
ration, than the others. 
Water Melons. 
In order to have water melons in good perfection, you must fix 
upon a piece of very light, rich, sandy soil; prepare, sow, and ma- 
nage it, in every respect, as directed for cucumbers and melons, 
only let the hills be nine or ten feet distant every way. 
Pumpkins and Gourds. 
Pumpkins will require to be ten feet distant hill from hill, two or 
three plants will be sufficient in each, they are not so tenacious of a 
particular soil as either melons or cucumbers, but will grow freely 
in any dry and tolerably rich ground; they are to be sown at the 
same time as directed for sowing melons and cucumbers in the open 
ground; and should be kept constantly clean and free from weeds. 
The various kinds of gourds, which are more cultivated for orna- 
ment than use, may be sown where they can be trained to trellises, 
fences, walls, or to cover arbours. 
When you intend to cultivate either melons, cucumbers, squashes, 
pumpkins, or the like kinds, on a large or extensive scale, you can 
prepare the ground with a plough, which will save much labour; 
and also, afterwards, as the weeds advance, plough and harrow, 
between the plants till they begin to run, after which, the hoe must 
be used. 
Sweet Potatoes. 
The Convolvulus Batatas, or sweet potatoe, is a native of both 
Indies, also of China, Cochin-china, &c. But it is affirmed that it 
was unknown in the Philippine and Molucca islands, before the 
Spaniards brought it there. In Amboina, Banda, Ternate, Sec. the 
inhabitants add Castela to the name, as having received it from the 
Castilians or Spaniards, It was first brought into Spain from the 
West-Indies, or Spanish Main, and was there cultivated, long before 
the Solarium tuberosum, or common potatoe, was known in Europe. 
The sweet potatoe requires a very light, sandy, and tolerably 
rich soil, to bring it to good perfection. The time to plant it, in 
the middle states, is the first ten days in May; or more generally 
it is planted about the eighth or tenth of the month. It is remarked 
that the earlier and more forward crops, are always most produc- 
tive and best for eating; and several people to accomplish this end, 
first sprout them in hot-beds, and then plant them out in the fol- 
lowing manner. 
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