4 
BEYER’S SEED CATALOGUE. 
though last season being a favorable one, 
hatl mine all to ripen, About the quality 
of the flour I cannot say. Samples were 
sent to two mills two months ago, but up 
to this day have not been ground, on ac- 
count of scarcity of water. Where corn is 
wanted, not more than four stalks should 
be allowed to the hill, and this right from 
the start; and carefully guarded against 
mixingwitli other varieties. Forgrowing 
corn, touch it lightly for the present, but 
for forage unlimited. 
New Water Melons from Central Asia. 
—Last year I was so fortunate as to come 
in possession of several new varieties of 
Water Melons, direct from Central Asia, 
said to be the greatest melon growing 
country in the world. They were select- 
ed by an expert, who confidently asserted 
they would prove most valuable in the 
northwest A trial on my grounds fully 
confirmed expectations, demonstrating a 
grand and glorious success. They are 
hardier and from ten to twenty days ear- 
lier than the earliest American variety, are 
largely free from that tasteless, useless, worthless and objectionable core, so com- 
mon in the varieties in this country; also excelling all in delicious sweetness 
and fine grain. _ They grow to satisfactory size; in suitable soil will reach a 
weight of 15 to 25 pounds. So valuable varieties as these have never before come 
to the United States, and will most assuredly supplant to a large degree those in 
present cultivation. Varieties of such distinguished qualities will be 
welcomed by all lovers of melons and be to them a matter of no little gratification, 
especially as of late years it has almost become epidemic, the offering of new va- 
rieties, and the so claimed improvements, singularly seem to cover every point 
except the very one the consumer cares most for, that is of first-class eating quali- 
ty and tins the most important one, seems to be largely avoided. Sincerely, 1 
believe also, that the masses of the people prefer and enjoy a luscious melon on a 
hot July day much better than they would Christmas or New Year, with the tiler 
mometer .ill below zero, for the simple reason of being out of season Y e t this is 
the latest sensation. Not, being favorably impressed with most varieties lately in- 
troduced. I did not list them, for what is not good enough forme. I do not propose 
to offer to my friends. With the introduction of these new melons so superabnnd- 
ant in sugar not only a long- felt want is realized, but possibly may be the 
foundation for new industries by transforming the juice into syrup or sugar. 
What can be accomplished with the juice from maples, might be with the 
juice from these melons, being so much richer in sugar. I would presume, also, 
as an acre of melons can bo grown just as cheaply as an acre of sorghum, it does 
not exclude the possibility that we might draw our future supply of sugar from 
these; and especially as the experiments of making sugar from Sorghum, after 
many years of expensive trials is far from being a success and may never he, and 
attention being turned to something else; there is good material in these mel- 
ons, all will admit. 
It is rather premature that I make mention of these this season, not being sup- 
plied with sufficient stock for dissemination, 1 intended to defer it till next year, 
•i * a -2“ ^ ew York City is offering one, which by description lias some 
identity with mine, and not wishing to be secondary, f have concluded to match 
this one by 
rriunipii of the Exposition, — Extremely early and hardy; in shape round-oval, 
oi light green color; seeds very small, similar to those of apples, which do not 
discommode; free of tasteless core; flesh light crimson color, fine grain and of de- 
licious sweetness not attained by any other. One specimen matured with me in 
ten weeks from the time of planting, and reached a weight of 16 pounds. Re- 
stricting one package only, to one person. Packages containing 15 seeds for 
25 cents. 
Cory Sweet Corn. 
