The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1869-05-05
Melons and Melon Culture.

be upon US, and some suggestions as to
varieties and mode of cultivation will be
acceptable 70 the reader. In the line of
watermelons, the Black Spanish is large in
size, roundish or oblong, somewhat ribbed,
skin very dark green, flesh deep red, fne-
grained, sweet and excellent; seeds nearly
black. The Carolina is large, oblong, deep
green. variegated with pale green flesh
granular, crisp, sweet and Of good quail
ty; seeds black. The Mountain Sweet is
similar in form, but of . darker green :
seeds brown. These are excellent varie-
ties. The Orange, Bankrisht, and Brad
ford varieties are favorites in South Carroll.
ma, and would grow in this State very well.
In nutmegs, the green citron 10 nearly
round and regularly ribbed 10 size medium
or rather small. skin green and thicklv
netted; flesh green, very juicy, with a
rich and sugary favor. 1t is uniformly ex-
cellent. quite productive, and is one Of the
mos: valuable varieties. The large netted
muskmelOn ia large, oval, strongly ribbed,
thickly netted, yellow flesh yellow, thick
and sweet, but not so juicy and melting as
the last; hardy, and well adapted to COM
mon cultivation.
A South Carolinian, who sends to the
New York Farmers Club his method Of
raising watermeI0ns, says he makes method
OF raising watermelons. He makes holes
two feet across. eighteen inches deep, fills
them with stable manure covered with
forest manure and road sand Some
charcoal is also added TO absorb the heat
from the sun. Does not work among the
vines when the dew is on; does not dis
turb the vines bnt allows no weeds to grow.
An Illinois grower of the nutmeg varieties
makes the following suggestions:
!. For Geld culture, let hot-bed appiian-
ces alone. They don't pay. Delay plant
ing till the cold, rainy season is past, and
the ground is warm, then push matters.
2. Put into the hill fifteen to twenty
seed-enough for the bugs and yourself !;
but with all this provision you must keep
up the war with the striped enemy, fighting
him with dust and ashes to the end. The
warfare is Of short duration. The melon
grows rapidly and is soon able to take care
of itself. When the danger is past, leave
two or, at most, three plants in q hill.
3. Plant in loose, mellow soil, in rows
eight feet apart and Eve feet in the row.
1t ID not necessary to manure heavily as
for cabbage or other garden vegetables. It
is enough, thst the soil be simply good, and
most important that it have i deep,
thorough preparation. The roots of the
vine ramble freely aud widely, in the loosen
ed earth, and seem to enjoy their freedom.
Dig no holes for hills. Give thorough
drainage. 1t is even we'll to plant on
ridge thrown up With the pillow, eight feet
wide. The wants Of the melon, in kind of
soil, and in the manner Of preparation, are
very much like those of the grape. And
have grown on the hillside among grape
vines. No crop stands drought better
than the melon. None ia more seriously
affected BY cold, wet soils or long seasons
of rainy weather.
4. Stir the soil often, with cultiyator; or
light harrow, which is better. Never use
the pillow. Cultivate level and don't wait
for weeds, whatever You do.