sometimes nearly white, about
four-tenths of an inch in length, and three-sixteenths of an inch in
breadth,--the size, however, varying to a considerable extent in the
different varieties. An ounce contains from nine hundred to eleven
hundred seeds; and they retain their germinative properties from eight
to ten years.

_Varieties._--These are exceedingly numerous, in consequence of the
great facility with which the various kinds intermix, or hybridize.
Varieties are, however, much more easily produced than retained:
consequently, old names are almost annually discarded from the
catalogues of seedsmen and gardeners; and new names, with superior
recommendations, offered in their stead. The following list embraces
most of the kinds of much prominence or value now cultivated either in
Europe or this country:--

BEECHWOOD.

Fruit nearly spherical, but rather longer than broad,--usually five or
six inches in diameter; skin greenish-yellow, thickly and regularly
netted; flesh green, melting, sugary, and excellent. An early and fine
variety.

BLACK-ROCK CANTALOUPE. _Loud._

A large-fruited, late variety; form variable, but generally round, and
flattened at the ends; size large,--ten inches in diameter, eight inches
deep, and weighing eight or ten pounds. The skin varies in color from
grayish-green to deep-green; becomes yellow at maturity, and is thickly
spread with knobby bunches, or small protuberances. Rind very thick;
flesh reddish-orange, melting, and sugary. It requires a long season for
its full perfection.

CHRISTIANA.

This variety was originated by the late Capt. Josiah Lovett, of Beverly,
Mass. Form roundish; size rather small,--average specimens measuring
nearly the same as the Green Citron; skin yellowish-green; flesh yellow,
sweet, juicy, and of good quality. Its early maturity is its principal
recommendation; the Green Citron, Nutmeg, and many other varieties,
surpassing it in firmness of flesh, sweetness, and general excellence.

It would probably ripen at the North, or in short seasons, when other
sorts generally fail.

CITRON.

Green-fleshed Citron. Green Citron.

[Illustration: Green Citron Melon.]

Fruit nearly round, but flattened slightly at the ends,--deeply and very
regularly ribbed; size medium, or rather small,--average specimens
measuring about six inches in diameter, and five inches and a half in
depth; skin green, and thickly netted,--when fully mature, the green
becomes mo