778 
THE PERSIAN MELON. 
is produced; it is supported by a petiole (footstiilk) about ten inches 
in length, that takes a most graceful double bend, in figure resem- 
bling the branch of a chandelier. The plate of the leaf is of a most 
vivid gi-een, its surface rough with short bristly hairs. In shape it 
is obtusely heart-shaped, and very broad near the base. From the 
axils of these leaves, lateral shoots would naturally be sent forth, but 
each of these is to be removed to a certain height, for a reason that 
will in due time be assigned. 
The flowers both male and female are small, frecpiently not ex- 
ceeding three-fourths of an inch in diameter, at the extreme edges of 
the limbus or border; they are of a sulphur or pale yellow colour, 
rather few in number. The males, as far as my observation extends, 
are produced somewhat before the fertile blossoms, and this appears 
to be a wise provision of nature, to insure the safety and perfection of 
the fruit ; the melons formed afeove the tenth joint are generally found 
to set with greater certainty, and to gTowto a greater size than others 
that appear during the infantile state of the plant, nearer to its roots. 
"The Hoiisainee Melon," as Mr. Knight justly observes, is upon 
the whole " of very easy culture," and the plant very productive of 
fruit ; but " that it is very long in ripening." When ripe, however, 
he adds, "it remains in perfection, a very valuable quality to the 
fruiterer." Another feature, and one that he deems of great moment 
is, that " the natural habits of the plant, which he feared would not 
jn'ove permanent, he has found to be strictly so. " I have quoted his 
own words to me, merely changing the person, and I may add, that 
the only circumstance worthy of real regret is, that the fruit is not 
only tardy, but somewhat irregular in the period of its ripening. 
Mr. Knight, with every advantage of machinery and aspect, consi- 
ders fifty days as the time required, if the weather be such as it was 
during a considerable part of July last, that is, deficient in sunshine, 
with cool nights, and frequent showers. But I have had fruit which 
remained from sixty to eighty-four days on the plants, without 
evincing any decisive signs of becoming too ri2)e. My aspect, how- 
ever, is south-east ; and hence, I lose the afternoon's sun. But al- 
though this irregularity is tantalizing, there is one positive quality 
that amply compensates for the apparent evil ; the fruit never de- 
cays, bursts, nor becomes flavourless. 
My paper has extended beyond the proper limits, and much re- 
mains to be said. This I must refer to a second article, when I shall 
endeavour by a recital of actual facts, deduced from experiment and 
observation, to render the method of successfully cultivating this ele- 
gant fruit, at once perfectly intelligible and easy. G. I. T. 
