varieties of squashes, it has gradually fallen into disuse, and
is now cultivated principally for agricultural purposes.

_Varieties._--The following are the principal varieties, although
numerous intermediate sorts occur, more or less distinct, as well as
more or less permanent in character:--

CANADA PUMPKIN.

Vermont Pumpkin.

The Canada Pumpkin is of an oblate form, inclining to conic; and is
deeply and regularly ribbed. When well grown, it is of comparatively
large size, and measures thirteen or fourteen inches in diameter, and
about ten inches in depth. Color fine, deep orange-yellow; skin or shell
rather thick and hard; flesh yellow, fine-grained, sweet, and well
flavored. Hardy, and very productive.

Compared with the common field variety, the Canada is much more
flattened in its form, more regularly and deeply ribbed, of a deeper and
richer color; and the flesh is generally much sweeter, and less coarse
and stringy in its texture. It seems adapted to every description of
soil; thrives well in all climates; and is one of the best sorts for
agricultural purposes, as well as of good quality for the table.

CHEESE PUMPKIN.

Plant very vigorous; leaves large, deep-green; fruit much flattened,
deeply and rather regularly ribbed, broadly dishing about the stem, and
basin-like at the opposite extremity. It is of large size; and, when
well grown, often measures fifteen or sixteen inches in diameter, and
nine or ten inches in depth. Skin fine, deep reddish-orange, and, if the
fruit is perfectly matured, quite hard and shell-like; flesh very thick,
yellow, fine-grained, sweet, and well flavored. The seeds are not
distinguishable from those of the Common Field Pumpkin.

The Cheese Pumpkin is hardy, remarkably productive, and much superior in
all respects to most of the field-grown sorts. Whether the variety
originated in this country, cannot probably now be determined; but it
was extensively disseminated in the Middle States at the time of the
American Revolution, and was introduced into certain parts of New
England by the soldiers on their return from service. After a lapse of
more than seventy-five years,--during which time it must have
experienced great diversity of treatment and culture,--it still can be
found in its original type; having the same form, color, size, and the
same thickness, and quality of flesh, which it possessed at the time of
its introduction.

COMMON YELLOW FIELD PUMPKIN.

Plant