Cantai^oupe: Bre:e:ding. 
5 
perfect the specimens may chance to be; another serious weakness 
is the lack of adherence to a definite outline of the qualities that 
should be embodied in a perfect cantaloupe. 
The different ideals of selection have given rise to numerous 
strains of the Rocky Ford cantaloupes, which are simply the Netted 
Gem variety developed under different conceptions of type and 
quality; there may be the element of cross-fertilization in the origin 
of some of the strains yet the foundation stock of all was originally 
the same strain, and the general characteristics of this variety has 
constituted the principal lines that have been considered in the selec¬ 
tion of the Rocky Ford seed. For example, the uniformity of size 
and the netting are points that have been considered and are well 
developed in several strains; yet equally essential are the inherent 
traits of the plant and the quality of the fruit. For example, early, 
prolific production and disease resistance are of prime considera¬ 
tion as well as a thick, fine flesh of rich flavor with no disagreeable 
consistency or after tastes which are all qualities that should be 
embodied in a perfect cantaloupe. 
Doubtless the acme of perfection may never be realized, for 
some of the points may be antagonistic attributes, and the laws 
of plant breeding are not so well defined as to enable one to outline 
a scheme for seed selection that will insure the desired results in 
a given time. 
AN e:xpe:riment to improve; cantatoupe:s. 
The object of this article is with a view of outlining the meth¬ 
ods and results of a definite investigation along this line, presenting 
the facts that have grown out of this work in such a way as to 
serve the future efforts in cantaloupe breeding. 
The Colorado Experiment Station, in 1903, instituted an in¬ 
vestigation to develop if possible, a cantaloupe that would be im¬ 
mune to the attacks of the fungus disease, commonly known as 
‘‘melon rust” or “blight,” which is a serious menace to the melon 
industry. The first effort was a study of the cantaloupe fields to 
ascertain if any resistant tendency existed in the various strains 
of the Rocky Ford cantaloupes. 
Owing to the different soil and the cultural conditions of the 
different farms, it was impossible to draw conclusions, as all fields 
were affected to some extent and eventually all succumb to the 
disease. 
It was evident that a comparative test under more uniform 
conditions would be necessary to determine the point in question. 
Accordingly the following season the principal strains of the Rocky 
Ford cantaloupes were tested in comparison on a piece of ground 
that had been seriously affected with the fungus. The plat was 
uniform in condition and had the same care in all respects, yet the 
