t maturity.

POWDER-HORN.

Courge Poire a Poudre. _Vil._

Fruit long and slender, broadest at the base, tapering towards the stem,
and often more or less curved. In its general form, it resembles a
common horn, as implied by the name. Its usual length is twelve or
fourteen inches; and its largest diameter, nearly three inches.

SIPHON GOURD.

Courge Siphon. _Vil._

Fruit rounded, and flattened at the blossom-end; then suddenly
contracted to a long, slender neck. The latter often bends or turns
suddenly at nearly a right angle; and, in this form, the fruit very much
resembles a siphon. Pea-green while young, pale-green when mature. Shell
thick and hard.

* * * * *

THE MELON.

Of the Melon, there are two species in general cultivation,--the
Musk-melon (_Cucumis melo_) and the Water-melon (_Cucurbita citrullus_);
each, however, including many varieties. Like the Squash, they are
tender, annual plants, of tropical origin, and only thrive well in a
warm temperature. "The climate of the Middle and Southern States is
remarkably favorable for them; indeed, far more so than that of England,
France, or any of the temperate portions of Europe. Consequently, melons
are raised as field crops by market-gardeners: and, in the month of
August, the finest citrons or green-fleshed melons may be seen in the
markets of New York and Philadelphia in immense quantities; so abundant,
in most seasons, as frequently to be sold at half a dollar per basket,
containing nearly a bushel of fruit. The warm, dry soils of Long Island
and New Jersey are peculiarly favorable to the growth of melons; and,
even at low prices, the product is so large, that this crop is one of
the most profitable."--_Downing._

Through the extraordinary facilities now afforded by railroads and ocean
steam-navigation, the markets of all the cities and large towns of the
northern portions of the United States, and even of the Canadas, are
abundantly supplied within two or three days from the time of gathering:
and they are retailed at prices so low, as to allow of almost universal
consumption; well-ripened and delicious green-fleshed citron-melons
being often sold from six to ten cents each.

_Soil and Cultivation._--Both the Musk and the Water Melon thrive best
in a warm, mellow, rich, sandy loam, and in a sheltered exposure. After
thoroughly stirring the soil by ploughing or spading, make the hills six
or seven feet apart in