The more completely the melon-patch is by
itself, the better, and the nearer the house the better; for while
it is liable to all the insects and diseases which attack the
cucumber, it encounters, when the fruit is mature, a more fatal
enemy in the predatory small boy. Choose rich, warm, but not dry
ground for musk-melons, make the hills six feet apart each way,
and treat them like cucumbers, employing an abundance of seed. As
soon as the plants are ready to run, thin out so as to leave only
four to fruit. Henderson recommends Montreal Market, Hackensack,
and Netted Gem. Gregory: Netted Gem, Boston Pet, Bay View, Sill's
Hybrid, Casaba, and Ward's Nectar. He also advocates a remarkable
novelty known as the "Banana." Harris: Early Christiana and
Montreal Market.
Water-melons should be planted eight feet apart; but if one has
not a warm, sandy soil, I do not advise their culture. The time of
planting and management do not vary materially from those of the
musk variety. The following kinds will scarcely fail to give
satisfaction where they can be grown: Phinney's Early, Black
Spanish, Mammoth Ironclad, Mountain Sprout, Scaly Bark, and Cuban
Queen.
The tomato has a curious history. Native of South America like the
potato, it is said to have been introduced into England as early
as 1596.
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