HOW TO TELL WHEN A WATERMELON IS RIPE 
Never press on a watermelon with the palm of 
the hand to see if it is ripe. To do so bruises the 
melon and makes it unfit for consumption. A green 
melon will have a clear ring when thumped, with 
shiny glossy rind, whereas a ripe melon has a dull 
dead sound, with not so much sheen and on the 
dark rind varieties they are usually a little rough 
to the feel of your hand, with rind becoming much 
harder due to the fact they have completed their 
growth. The quality of many melons is ruined by 
abuse trying to see if they are ripe. One that is 
vine ripened is much better in every respect. 
USE SPERGON TREATED SEED FOR BETTER STAND 
Nearly all soils contain harmful fungi which if 
not controlled attack the seed and cause what is 
commonly known as Damping Off. Present also 
on the surface of almost all seed are certain other 
fungi and bacteria, which together with the fungi 
in the soil attack the seed just as soon as they 
are planted, many times causing a very poor un- 
even stand and non-vigorous plants. This condi- 
tion can be offset by the use of Spergon, which 
you will find present on all the seed that we sell. 
Disease organisms are most destructive during 
cold wet weather that many times prevails in early 
or slow spring seasons. Under these conditions, 
many times, the germination of the seed is retard- 
ed to such an extent that the whole field will have 
to be reseeded. Since it is common knowledge 
that the first load of ripe melons on the market 
usually brings the highest price, every grower has 
a tendency to plant just as soon as possible and 
in order to help insure a uniform stand we strongly 
urge that Spergon treated seed be used. 
SPERGON 
Although all the seed we ship out will be treated 
with Spergon, we have this item for sale for you 
to treat other field and vegetable seeds in the fol- 
lowing size packages. If larger amounts are 
wanted write for quotations. 
Since the use of Spergon usually reduces to a 
minimum seed decay and Damping Off, yet some 
few complaints are still had with seed of extreme- 
ly high germination properties, we have come to 
the conclusion that many melon growers are cov- 
ering their seed too deep, especially if planted 
early while the soil is still damp and cold. We 
find, after conducting many experiments with 
Spergon treated seed, at different depths and 
varied temperatures of the soil, that for best re- 
sults watermelon seed should not be covered with 
more than one inch of soil, gently tamped to pro- 
mote quicker start of germination. If planting by 
hand, this can be done with a light tap of the flat 
side of your hoe. If a planter is used, a drag made 
from a chain, board or a grass bag folded and 
filled with about ten pounds of dirt tied to both 
planter feet makes an excellent means of tamping 
the soil, at the same time placing each seed in 
the ground at a uniform depth. 
SPERGON SEED TREATMENT—PRICES 
l-oz. package 25c plus postage. 
2-0z. package 40c plus postage. 
9-oz. can $1.10 plus postage. 
1-lb. can $2.50 plus postage. 
HOW TO TREAT SEED WITH SPERGON 
Spergon is extremely safe to use on seed and 
has never been known to cause injury even when 
used in excess. It is a yellow powder and very 
easy to apply. Put seed and Spergon in any clean 
container with a cover (jar or bucket is good) and 
shake lightly until seed are thoroughly covered. 
No need to worry about getting too much, if you 
do it will do no harm. The seed can be treated 
several days in advance of planting and will still 
40 WILLHITE MELON SEED FARMS, Poolville, Texas 
have the same good effect. Always wash your 
hands after treating the seed. 
If it's only garden packages that you are treat- 
ing, tear the corner of the bag and put in a very 
small amount of Spergon, shake well and plant, 
which is scarcely any trouble at all. 
We have it for sale in the above size packages, 
if larger amount is wanted, write for prices. 
Weatherford, Texas 
