Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1858-04-23
SQUASIIES.

moro of the various forms of tn desra-
bio vegetable.
The squash family, is kitchen edible,
is originally from Astracan and the Le-
want, notwithstanding which, our climate
is we'll adapted for it, and we have now,
on Our Western Continent, perhaps as
great variety as are to be found in any
part ofthe world. The primitive types
from which these varieties have emana-
ted, are some three species of Cu:m6ita,
viz: c. melopepo, C. rerrucosa, and C..
ovifera-a genus nearly allied to the
melon. The requisite culture is Of the
simplest character, for they will thrive in
almost any kind of soil, excepting an I'M
drained swamp bottom. and may be had
TT for use, from the same garden nine
months Of the year. In order to obtain
this, however, different sorts will have
to be employed, as explained below, the
best only being noticed.
Early Bush, or Patty Paa.-This is
one of the earliest and most hardy kinds,
of bushy habit. Fruit, shaped some
what similar to the shallow pans used for
baking pies in rind. cream colored; flesh
white and tender, but wanting in flavor.
Sown in aslight hot-bed or the green
house in March, and transplanted out in
May, or whom the danger of frost is past
it will be ready for use early in July, in
this neighborhood (lat. ~ }. Three
plants are enough for six feet square Of
ground. For the general outdoor SOW
ing, in the middle of May, drop five or
six seeds in spot, and at the aforesaid
distance; cover two inches, and thin out,
when fairly up.
Bergen Bush.-Of similar habit fruit,
long, green-striped flesh, more solid,
and OF better flavor than the above, but
not SO early bearer. 1t may be treated
in the same way in all respects.
Summer Crookneck.-This is very
beautiful looking squash; when pure. it
is white in color, and shaped like Bell
Pear with the neck curled over to one
side. 1t is serviceable for summer and
fall use, and may be planted the same as
the last, only differing as to distance,
requiring the hills of plants to be eight
feet asunder.
Vegetable Narrow. The flesh of this
variety is more watery and pulpy than
any other, and some persons prefer it on
this account 5; the flavor also is peculiar
to itself, being something of a turnip,
minus the pungency. Fruit, creamy
yellow, oblong, and of good size. Plant
the same as the last.
Boston Marrow. OF the very best
for winter keeping, and of the flavor.
Fruit, orange colored, irresularly oval
weighing from eight to twelve pounds
flesh, solid. orange yellow, and nutty
The squash is far preferable to the pump.
kin in the making of pies. Being great
grower. two plants are enough for hill
each of which ought to be ten feet apart
even at this distance in good ground the
yield is enormous.
Cocoa Nut is similar in habit and quail
ity to the Boston Marrow, but does no
fruit SO freely.
Winter Croohnech good winte,
sort, of large size, but not SO fine as thu
Boston Marrow. The three latter va
rieties may be sown amongst the earlles
crops of sweet corn, or between the drill:
of early potatoes. In this way a saving
of ground is secured, and as the previou:
crop is away before the vines have pro
crossed far in length, the yield of squash
is very slightly injured. These sort
also may be preserved good until April 0
next year, provided they be perfectly
ripe, and gathered before any frost ha'
touched them. House them On DIR!
day, lay on dry floor, separate from
each other, and in a room where thf
thermometer never sinks below 40 :
When piled in heap, or kept in a daml
atmosphere, they are sure to decay, while
the reverse will be the case if the above
advice be taken.
The good or bad cooking of squasl
makes SO mnch difference. that it may b.
delicious to the taste of the epicure, o
unpalatable to any animal excepting
hog; and there are some cooks who man
age other things tolerably we'll, but ye
fail in this. To remedy this evil wher
it does exist, the following recipe is ap
pended. which, if followed. will serv,
up dish of squash in the best order.
Cut into square pieces; after cuttin:
off the rind, put these into pan of colo
water. Boil until quite soft. Accord
ing to the greater solidity of each sort
so will the required time of boiling b'
comparatively longer. Strain through
clean towel until all the superhuous wa
ter is drained out. for on this, in grea
measure, the quality depends. Beat W
with tablespoonful Of untainted butter
and a little pepper and salt to taste
Serve whilst hot.