The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-02-04
The CANTAtGtPE-
A MONEY MAKER
Virginia Especially Adapted to
Culture of Luscious Melon.
Instructive Booklets Free.

+. II. LaBaume, the agricultural and
Industrial agent of the Norfolk and
Western Railway, with headquarters
In Roanoke, writes me an interesting
letter on the subject OF cantaloupe
culture and shows what q profitable
business II Is when the fruit or the
Veseiaoi Whichever il is. shall be
properly grown and cared tor, and
then tells me that he ms some finely
illustrated booklets on the subject
which are for free distribution to sons
and daughters OF Virginia farmers who
want TO learn all about how TO sue
cesstully grow cantaloupes. He says:
no other product OF the American
garden has recently been in such de-
mand at high prices as the high grade
cantaloupc OF half dozen leading
varieties 1t Is also one Of the most
profitable crops that can be raised
and from 500 to as high as $500 or
moro per acre Is frequently obtained
from one crop of this luscious fruit In
districts like Rocky Ford. Colorado
where from 1000 to 1.2OU carloads are
shipped every year, one can readily
understand what 1t means to the grow
ers who depend ON cantaloupes entire
ly for their revenue.
Reaches Perfection 10 Virginia,
The cantaloupe can be grown in
almost all sections OF Virginia, and
In the Tidewater section II as grown
In its highest perfection when good
seed Is used and proper culture me-
thods are followed. Many people who
attempt to grow them secure indif-
ferent results, because they do not
reulize the needs of the crop or seem
to appreciate the fact that judgment
and skill are required to meet the
varying conditions The question OF
seed, soil, planting. cultivation, mois-
ture, combating pests, picking and
harvesting are ell pertinent factors In
successful cantaloupe growing. One
of the most important points Is to sc.
cure the early maturing Of the crop.
because the high prioes received for
the first cantaloupes in the market Of
fer large reward for the grower
who Is able to mature his crop IN ad-
vance Of his neighbors."
Chance for Boys md Girls.
And now comes the practically in
teresting part of LaBaume's letter. He
says:
Il have secured some very attractive
booklets, illustrated In color and Civ
ing fund OF information relative to
the most approved methods of growing
this crop. 1t tells all abcut the pre-
paratlon of the soil, the selection OF
the seed, cultivation. harvesting, pack
Ing and marketing. It nlsc tells all
about the tools used in cantaloupe cul-
ture and describes the plants diseases
and how to control them. 1t is beau
ttful book we'll bound and nicely H.
lustrated. and will be sent to any Vir-
gtaia farmers son or daughter who is
interested in developing the old home
and making 1t pay q satisfactory pro-
Mt Boys and girls, here Is something
that you can take into consideration
In connection With your corn clubs
and tomato clubs"
Now. dear boys and girls. We sons and
daughters of wide awake Virginia
farmers, IL you want tho beautiful
booklet and will promise TO make good
use of 1t, just write to II. LeBaume
Agricultural and Industrial Agent;
Norfolk and Western Railway. Roa-
noke. va. . \: T.. s. w. II