The Watermelon 
Citrullus vulgaris 
[Aleta of Africa, and believed to have been in use for some 
4,000 years, the Watermelon has been known to exist in the 
United States as long ago as the year 1629. 
Today the Watermelon ranks as one of our more important commer- 
cial crops, and its use iS widening every year. Although it is 
of little actual food value, yet it is certainly one of the most 
delicious and appetizing of all vegetables, and will lend in- 
terest to any menu. 
In submitting this descriptive booklet to our friends in the 
Seed Trade of America and the World, we hope that it may serve 
as your guide to a more thorough knowledge of the varieties that 
are today regarded as important not only in this country, but 
abroad as well. 
We realize that all our descriptions may not entirely agree with 
the opinions of others. It should be borne in mind that dif- 
ferent strains will vary to some degree and also that varying 
climatic and cultural conditions will affect performance. The 
data presented here 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 
on the WATERMELON. 
LAWRENCE ROBINSON & SONS 
