This fruit is rarely preserved or cooked in any way, but is sent
whole to table on a dish garnished with leaves or flowers, as fancy
dictates. A border of any other kind of small fruit, arranged round
the melon, has a pretty effect, the colour of the former contrasting
nicely with the melon. Plenty of pounded sugar should be served with
it; and the fruit should be cut lengthwise, in moderate-sized slices.
In America, it is frequently eaten with pepper and salt. _Average
cost._—English, in full season, 3_s._ 6_d._ to 5_s._ each; when scarce,
10_s._ to 15_s._; _seasonable_, June to August. French, 2_s._ to 3_s._
6_d._ each; _seasonable_, June and July. Dutch, 9_d._ to 2_s._ each;
_seasonable_, July and August.