HUNGARIAN HONEY.--This melon is one of the best for the small garden.
Though not large, averaging eight to ten inches in diameter, it is
perfectly round, so that there is a great deal of eating in one of
them, while the quality is not equaled in any other variety. The melons
ripen early, and the vines are vigorous in growth and very productive.
As its name, “Honey Melon,” implies, it is sweet and luscious, and of a
rich honey flavor, melting completely and leaving no stringy fibre in
the mouth. The dark green skin, and intense brilliant red of the flesh,
make a very striking appearance when cut.
BURPEE’S MAMMOTH IRONCLAD.--A large melon, of superior quality, and
where there is room to grow them, will be found a profitable crop for
market. Under ordinary culture, it frequently attains a weight of sixty
to seventy pounds. They take their name of Ironclad from the exceeding
toughness of the thin rind. Cutting into one is almost like cutting
into sheet iron, though the flesh inside is fresh, crisp and melting.
So strong is this rind, that I have stood on one of the smaller melons
with a companion, our united weight of over 340 pounds not cracking
the ripe flesh within in the slightest degree; and I have seen a wagon
load of melons driven over one in the field without damaging it in
the slightest. While it does not produce many melons to the vine, it
more than makes up in size and weight what it lacks in quantity, being
a heavy cropper when this is taken into account. The flesh is very
beautiful, of a dainty red color and rich, sugary flavor. The flesh is
never mealy, but always firm and solid. In shape this melon is oblong,
its length often being two and a half times greater than its diameter.
[Illustration: BURPEE’S MAMMOTH IRON CLAD]
ICING, OR ICE RIND.--This is a dark, green-skinned melon, of nearly
round shape. It is a favorite variety, on account of the solidity of
its flesh, thin rind, and rich, luscious, sugary flavor.
CUBAN QUEEN.--The melons of this variety are very handsome and
attractive in appearance; the skin being striped, dark, and light
green, in a pleasing manner. The vines are strong and vigorous in
growth, and bear enormous crops when well manured. The melons are
large, very heavy, and of the finest quality. The rind is very thin,
being scarcely more than half an inch in thickness on a large melon;
the flesh is bright red, very solid, rich, and sugary. This is one of
the very best varieties for general culture in all sections. The shape
of this variety is oblong, being about twice its diameter in length.
[Illustration: BURPEE’S CUBAN QUEEN