Cantaloupe 
Cucumis Melo 
n his second voyage to the New World in 1494 Columbus noted 
melons ‘already grown, fit to eat, tho’ it was not above 
two months since the seed was put into the ground.’ 
No description of type was written, but apparently it was fla- 
vorful, for their spreading into other parts of America was 
rapid, indeed. Near the present city of Montreal, Cartier noted 
their consumption in 1535. Note of their existence in Virginia 
was made in 1609, and reports tell of the Indians cultivating 
them near Philadelphia before 1748. 
Since those early reports, the use of Cantaloupes has become 
widespread in every area of the world permitting of their cul- 
tivation. If a popularity poll were taken of today’s vegetables 
and fruits, we would wager that the Cantaloupe would find its 
place very near, if not at the top. 
Today’ s Cantaloupe variety list differs substantially with that 
of only two decades ago. Considerable work has brought about 
not only varietal improvement, but genetic resistance to such 
enemies aS Fusarium Wilt, Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew and Aphids 
in many strains. This work should, and we believe will, proceed 
in the years ahead. 
You will notice that we are uSing entirely the term CANTALOUPE, 
to describe the species. In recent years, popular usage has 
dictated this move in preference to the older and equally cor- 
rect term MUSKMELON. 
We realize that all our descriptions may not entirely agree 
with the opinions of others. It should be borne in mind that 
different strains will vary to some degree and also that varying 
climatic and cultural conditions will affect performance. The 
data presented are the result of composite notes taken at our 
Modesto and Gridley, California, breeding and trial grounds. 
It is with pleasure, then, that we submit to our loyal friends 
and customers among seedsmen everywhere, this descriptive booklet 
of the CANTALOUPE. 
LAWRENCE ROBINSON & SONS 
