The ripeness of a melon is unmis-takeable. The watermelon gives forth a dull dead sound when thumped ; the bottom is hard where the light shade is, and the fruit, when stirred, almost parts from the vine. A melon should never be pulled in the heat of the day, but in early morning or late evening for best flavor. Placing it for a time in a dark, cool place makes a surprising difference in taste. , A clover sod is the ideal soil for this delicious fruit. Plowed under in early fall in full blossom, then re-plowed in spring, very thoroughly harrowed, liberally dressed with fully rotted manure, again harrowed both ways, and you have ground that you may count on for monster melons, season favoring. Sprout your seeds - several years old - in inverted sod, two vines to the hill. Keep hills solid - never loosen - prune suckers and too redundant vines, cultivate and harrow as long as growth will permit, then ply the hoe continuously. Remove misshapen ones and here and there one when they set too thickly. I have had three dozen on a hill, by far too many for best results.

The best thing in cultivation is to mulch them with straw.

Varieties are legion, but few "pass muster." I have tested many. Florida Favorite is a favorite with me. The old Ice Rind holds its own among many competitors. It is a superb melon. Among muskmelonsl think the Perfection unsurpassed. There are other good ones. Stame's Favorite is fine. Give ample space to all melons - 12 and 16 feet for watermelons, 10 for musk-melons. - Rusticus, Lexington, Ky.