FACTS ABOUT 
 CANTALOUPES 
 
 
 
 ^ * -tiffin ^ 
 
 I'sj"^ -*■■ 
 
 
 Copyrighted 1912, by 
 
 The Rocky Ford Cantaloupe 
 Seed Breeders' Association 
 
 Rockv Ford, Colorado 
 
The Rocky Ford Cantaloupe 
 Seed Breeders* Association 
 
 Incorporated 11)0}> 
 
 Rocky Ford, Colorado 
 
The Facts About 
 Cantaloupes 
 
 A Treatise on Cantaloupe Growing, Giving the Best 
 
 Cultural Practice and Experience of Growers 
 
 in the Special Cantaloupe Growing 
 
 Districts of the United 
 
 States 
 
 THIRD REVISION 
 
 Copyright 1912, and Published by 
 
 The Rocky Ford Cantaloupe Seed Breeders' Association 
 
 Rocky Ford, Colo. 
 
A: 
 
 o 
 
 ^\t<^ 
 
 Plate No. 1— The culls and immature cantaloupes piled to be cut for seed, after 
 
 a harvest of 300 crates per acre. A common practice 
 
 with growers around Rocky Ford. 
 
 Plate No. 2— A pile of average cantaloupes from one of our best bred strains, 
 
 Rust-Resistant Pollock, salmon tint No. 25. 
 
 Note the contrast. 
 
 / 
 
 ©CIA331217 
 
 ■ ■7-1- f 
 
The Facts About Cantaloupes 
 
 Published by 
 THE ROCKY FORD CANTALOUPE SEED BREEDERS' ASSOCIATION. 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 The cantaloupe in its season is probably the most popular fruit on 
 the American table; appearing prominently on every first class menu. 
 
 The total consumption in the United States, amounting to many thou- 
 sands of carloads, besides the local home grown product which can hardly 
 be estimated, indicating an industry of great importance. 
 
 From the growers' standpoint, however, the story of the melon in- 
 dustry is filled with disappointments and failures, difficulties and dis- 
 heartening returns, which are all but discouraging at times, yet each season 
 some growers are making a decided success of the crop, either through 
 a better experience, more favorable conditions, or exceptional opportunities; 
 nlthough the grower himself may not always realize the determining ele- 
 ments of his success, but to a careful observer, it is evident that many of 
 the factors that cause failures in cantaloupes, could be overcome by a 
 better grasp of essential points; for instance, a better knowledge of the 
 experience of other growers, a fuller understanding of the needs of the 
 markets, the best methods of harvesting and handling the crop, and the 
 most favorable system of marketing for the highest returns. 
 
 To this end the Rocky Ford Cantaloupe Seed Breeders' Association 
 has championed the cause of better cantaloupes, primarily by furnishing 
 the highest grade of seed that it is possible to develop, but also by fur- 
 nishing the fullest information regarding cantaloupes within our reach, 
 thus enabling many growers to make a success of their crop. 
 
 For the third time we have revised our cultural treatise, in order to 
 include the latest and best information obtainable, and this booklet is 
 presented with our compliments to growers whether customers of ours or 
 not; and more than that, we invite any inquiries concerning points that 
 we may not have touched upon. 
 
 We already feel that through correspondence with our customers we 
 have a personal acquaintance with a large number of growers throughout 
 the United States and the words of encouragement and satisfaction that 
 many have expressed, is evidence to us that our efforts have been appre- 
 ciated, and we are inspired to redouble our efforts to meet the needs of 
 different cantaloupe growing districts of the country. 
 
 In starting this movement, we had to take the means at hand, 
 though far from perfect, we selected the best strains of cantaloupes known 
 
*> Ky^i^J 1 BREEDtRS ASSOClATlOr 
 
 to the Rocky Ford district, and by systematic efforts in seed selection, 
 we attempted to improve uniformity of type and quality. Five years ago 
 we were uncertain on points that today, experience has absolutely demon- 
 strated, and the uniformity of results secured from our seed under a wide 
 range of conditions, including some of the most adverse character in dif- 
 ferent parts of the country, has surpassed our highest expectations; the 
 reports of results justify our claim that we have the highest developed 
 strains of Rocky Ford cantaloupe seed, in point of uniformity of type and 
 superior quality of desirable traits to any found in the Rocky Ford district. 
 
 To sell the highest grade of seed to the largest number of growers is 
 our definite aim, and to this end we have endeavored to be consistent 
 in our claims, conservative in our statements and truthful in our repre- 
 sentations, for we hope to inspire confidence by frank, open methods of 
 dealing with our customers, and win our reputation through the merits 
 of the seed we produce; we are especially glad to welcome visitors who 
 desire to investigate our system of breeding and methods of handling seed. 
 
 Since our inception as an Association, we have openly criticized the 
 practice of saving and selling seed produced from unmarketable canta- 
 loupes; — "culls" and "left-overs" after harvest, which has been almost 
 a universal practice in the Rocky Ford district for a number of years, and 
 we are glad to know that our efforts in this line have been appreciated to 
 the extent that there is a growing sentiment against it, so that the demand 
 for cheap cull seed has appreciably declined in recent years: no stronger 
 proof of the strength of our position, and the need of this agitation, and 
 its value to the cantaloupe industry, could be had than the alarm mani- 
 fested by those engaged in these practices, and indicated by the determined 
 efforts to check the movement toward high grade seed, by arguing that 
 good seed sent abroad would be an injury to the Rocky Ford district; and 
 also to silence those who were advocating the reform, but the only 
 vulnerable point of attack, seemed to be the fact that one member of our 
 firm was in the employ of the State Agricultural College, accordingly 
 sensational charges were preferred against him, before the State Board, 
 and heralded far and wide. It was claimed that "he" was working to the 
 detriment of the farmers in the vicinity of Rocky Ford by encouraging the 
 development of cantaloupe growing in other states, to come in competition 
 with cantaloupes from Rocky Ford!" A sentiment which needless to say 
 was not shared by the community at large. 
 
 A lecture tour made by this member of our firm in the interest of a 
 railroad company, who desired to develop the cantaloupe industry along 
 their lines in another state, was the immediate cause of open hostilities, 
 but suffice it to say, that these charges were fully investigated by the 
 Board of Control and all the charges were dismissed as unwarranted and 
 unsupported by the evidence. Garbled accounts of the affair were sent to 
 some of the leading trade journals, but "The Kansas City Packer" took 
 pains to investigate, and the real facts of the case were published in their 
 issue of June 8, 1912. Those desiring more details of the fight for good 
 seed are referred to that issue. 
 
PJ-'^l 5REFDERSASSOCIAT10 
 
 We have canvassed our customers in the various cantaloupe districts 
 of the United States for any new information on cantaloupes, and we have 
 embodied in this booklet what we consider the most essential points in 
 regard to good seed, cultural care, harvesting and marketing, also experi- 
 ences and suggestions on insects and plant diseases, which we trust will 
 prove of much interest and real value to all commercial growers. 
 
 Points for Commercial Growers to Consider 
 
 In order to prepare our readers for a better appreciation and under- 
 standing of some of the determining factors that may result in success or 
 failure in cantaloupe growing we will ask consideration of the following 
 questions: 
 
 First, Are your seasons long enough, and the climatic conditions favor- 
 able for cantaloupe growing? 
 
 Second, Are you accessible to markets, or good railroad facilities? 
 
 Third, Will your cantaloupes come in competition with those from 
 other districts and cause a glutted market? 
 
 Fourth, Have you some peculiar advantages which will enable you to 
 meet competition? 
 
 Fifth, Have you had experience in handling cantaloupes? and do you 
 realize that it requires under favorable conditions 100 to 150 acres to 
 profitably ship in car load lots? 
 
 Sixth, Have you any marketing agencies to assist in disposing of your 
 crop? or will you depend upon open consignments? 
 
 Seventh, Have you considered your market demands as to varieties? 
 and do you know what strains of seed would be best adapted to your con- 
 ditions? 
 
 Eighth, What importance do you place on good seed breeding? Do 
 you know that common ordinary seed may produce as fine specimens as 
 the best seed? but that the well bred seed will produce a greater per cent 
 of uniform, marketable cantaloupes? 
 
 Ninth, Are you aware that the highest grade of seed can not insure 
 you a crop under adverse conditions, of weather, poor soil or careless 
 management? 
 
 Tenth, Do you realize that one failure, or even several, does not prove 
 that success is not possible? 
 
 It is not our purpose to call attention to all the possibilities of failures 
 nor suggest all the points of encouragement, but if a grower can realize the 
 essential points, we feel that the cantaloupe industry will be on a more 
 stable footing. 
 
 In the first place the large acreage for an individual grower should 
 be discouraged, except in the special cantaloupe growing districts where 
 growers have grown into experience in handling large acreages. If a 
 
 5 
 
^(n^i^pM I Breeders ASSOC! ATioN 
 
 Plate No. 3. 
 
 Plate No. 4 — A general view of two of our seed fields. 
 6 
 
H'^'^i- BreedzrsAssociaiiok 
 
 large acreage is required to make car load shipments, it would be best 
 an aggregation of a large number of small acreages handled by individuals 
 working in co-operation. 
 
 Specialized cantaloupe growing has been made a success in a few 
 localities by a large number of growers, but has been attended with ups 
 and downs, of overproduction and glutted markets. But we feel safe to 
 say from experience, that there is a great opportunity for a few growers 
 in a great many localities to specialize in cantaloupes, to work up a fancy 
 trade, and to study to cater to that trade and supply them with only the 
 best, that will result in success where now only indifferent results are 
 secured. The grower who considers only the producing side of the in- 
 dustry has not measured one-half of the question, for marketing to a 
 profit is the biggest side. 
 
 The problem is almost too large for any one to handle, but we hope 
 to touch on the most essential facts. 
 
 THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD SEED 
 
 It is often argued that seed saved from over-ripe cantaloupes are 
 just as good for seed, which on first thought might seem true, but if we 
 ask, why is a cantaloupe over-ripe, when the fields have been picked over 
 twice each day as they are in the Rocky Ford district? It is true it may 
 have been overlooked, but more probably the majority of "over ripes" 
 are so because there is an inherent weakness toward rapid ripening, in 
 reality a poor keeping quality, hence if we plant seed saved from over- 
 ripe cantaloupes that are culled from where the bulk of the cantaloupes 
 are marketed, we are propogating just the traits that we do not want in 
 our cantaloupes for market. 
 
 Seed breeding means more than the selection of seed from an average 
 crop, that would tend only to produce average results. 
 
 The same laws that govern the breeding of animals also control the 
 improvement of plants. Any fair minded man will acknowledge that 
 thoroughbred animals are more profitable than scrubs, or even average 
 stock, and the same is true of pedigreed plants. But we must get the 
 true conception of seed selection, — not the idea of the uninformed farmer 
 who, with his wife spent their evenings for many days, selecting seed 
 corn from a lot of shelled corn that he had purchased for feed. And the 
 man, who selects his cantaloupe seed at the packing shed is almost as far 
 wrong, for the plant that produced the seed has not been considered. 
 
 Nature makes selections that the grower may often overlook, for 
 instance cool nights and a short season will act as a natural selection to 
 develop the early maturing types, hence, the seed from the arid region in 
 high altitudes has proven to be superior to seed grown in the humid sec- 
 tions, both for vigor and early maturity. The big cantaloupe growers from 
 California and the Southern states realize this, for they look to Rocky 
 
s 1<9^'^M Breeders AssociATio 
 
 Ford each year for their cantaloupe seed, and all testify that they get 
 earlier and more uniform cantaloupes from the Rocky Ford grown seed. 
 
 Yet because cantaloupes from Colorado are the last to appear on the 
 markets, some might suppose that the seed from there would be late in 
 maturing, when in fact the very opposite is true. 
 
 Some of the Points That Seeds Will Not Overcome 
 
 Poor results are often attributed to poor seed, which is doubtless often 
 the case, but there is evidence to show that complaints about seed may 
 sometimes be made when the trouble is due to other causes; for instance, 
 two fields may be planted with the same stock of seed, but having different 
 soil fertility, or cultural care, may show widely different results in yield, 
 size and uniformity of the crop. 
 
 As for example, we have had a report from a grower in Texas who 
 complained that our seed produced too many "jumbo" sizes, while from 
 southwest Arkansas we had another complain from the same strain of seed, 
 that the cantaloupes were running too small, yet this grower admitted that 
 dry weather checked his vines some. 
 
 Some people seem to think that the crop should show absolute uni- 
 formity; this is next to impossible, although a study of the ideal representa- 
 tions and the elaborate descriptions in some of the seed catalogues might 
 convey this impression. The fact is, cantaloupes do vary, even in the best 
 strains of seed; one can frequently find on one vine, one cantaloupe that 
 is very long, while another may be short and round; this is especially true 
 if the vine has made an unusual growth on account of rich soil or other 
 favorable conditions. 
 
 The size of the cavity, the development of the netting, and the appear- 
 ance of the cantaloupes will vary on different types of soil to some extent, 
 and different seasons will lead the grower to think that the seed was not up 
 to standard of the year before, when the seed was equally good but the 
 season was not as favorable in some respect that the grower overlooks. 
 We have seen the same seed out of the same sack planted on different days, 
 one just before a rain that was cold and the other after it had warmed up, 
 one would come up slowly small and puny, while the other make a fine 
 growth. 
 
 Any influence that tends to retard or stimulate the gi-owth of the 
 vines, will also, in some way or another, affect the results of the crop; 
 
 such influence may not be serious, possibly only a few over-sized melons, 
 making packing a little more difficult, but one must expect some varia- 
 tions due to environment. These may be favorable or unfavorable, and 
 they may or may not be under the control of the grower. There is a 
 long list of these factors, — character of the soil, fertility, moisture sup- 
 ply, climate, insect pests, plant diseases, and cultural care; all of these 
 
must be considered, and controlled if possible, if we would secure the 
 greatest uniformity in results. 
 
 Heredity of the seed is anotlier great factor influencing results and 
 one that is often difficult to determine since there are always the two 
 
 Plate No. 5 — Sluice box lur wa.shiny seed. 
 
 forces, environment and heredity, at work, and which of these causes 
 has produced a given effect will often be the question. 
 
 The only fair way to pass judgment upon the nierits of a certain 
 stock of seed is to compare its results witli those of other seed under 
 exactly the same contUtions. It is the only means of reading heredity 
 in any system of plant breeding. The methods of plant breeding for the 
 different crops are essentially the same, namely, a nursery test of the 
 seed from individual plants, selected for given traits, and which are 
 then grown under uniform conditions to determine their relative merit. 
 
 Our Method of Developing High Grade Seeds 
 
 For five years we have been selecting a large number of fine individual 
 specimens of cantaloupes, and saving such seed separately and then plant- 
 ing them in adjacent plats, at the same time, under as uniform conditions 
 as possible, to test out their breeding tendencies, — this we have called 
 our nursery test. 
 
The individual plant is the unit of variation, and lienre, sliould always 
 be made the unit of selection. The results of systematic seed selection 
 have clearly shown that there is a wide variation in different plants from 
 even fairly pure seed, and that the more nearly a strain of seed can be 
 the progeny from a single plant, the more uniform and strong its hereditary 
 tendencies will be, provided that the individual plant is not a hybrid, in 
 which case it may break up into a variety of types; but even in long es- 
 tablished strains of pure bred seed there is still the continual "reverting" 
 or "breeding back," so that it is not uncommon to find a cantaloupe that 
 
 Plate No. 6 — A Drying House. 
 
 is a little "off," so if the general average of the crop is pretty uniformly 
 true, one need not suspect a mixture by the appearance of a little variation. 
 
 Sometimes a variation is along very desirable lines, for there are 
 numerous instances where the selection of the seed from a single plant 
 that seemed different, has been the beginning of a new strain much 
 superior to the original; such was the history of the disease-resistant 
 Pollock cantaloupe, while the Ryan's Early Watters was started from a 
 single early maturing plant. 
 
 There is plenty of seed saving, but comparatively little seed selec- 
 tion along systematic lines, and there is still less seed breeding for im- 
 proved hereditary traits. Usually twenty-five hills are planted in each plat, 
 and all are given uniform conditions that the differences that may develop 
 may reasonably be ascribed to heredity, and the new selections made ac- 
 cordingly. 
 
 10 
 
" K^y^^ I 6REEDERS ASSOCI ATIO 
 
 A number of the choicest individual fruits, from the most desirable 
 plats are again saved for the next years nursery test, and the plats that 
 run most uniformly alike along desirable liuos, are then cut for stock 
 seed, from which we grow our commercial supply. In this way the weak 
 traits and undesirable tendencies of any individual plant may be eliminated 
 more and more each year, while the strong desirable traits are retained 
 and thus the average uniformity gradually increased as far as possible. 
 
 It will readily be seen that it requires the same care to maintain 
 a grade of quality, that it did to build it up in the first place; the tendency 
 to deteriorate being always present. 
 
 The first nursery grown, before the seed had been bred up much, had 
 the appearance of a large checker board, because of the many variations. 
 Some were disease-resistant, and some were not; some early and some 
 late; some prolific and others not, while in netting, color of the flesh, and 
 the size and form of the fruit, the contrasts were also very marked. Plates 
 Nos. 7 and 8 show the contrast in disease-resistance of representative hills 
 from the resistant and non-resistant caataloupes, both grown under the 
 same conditions. 
 
 Aside from improving and combining desirable traits, the nursery test 
 for cantaloupes has another strong point of merit, namely, keeping the 
 stock seed pure. It is evident that if seed from individual cantaloupes are 
 planted separately In different plats, it would be easy for a keen observer 
 to detect the presence of a hybrid and thus eliminate that plant from being 
 saved for stock seed. 
 
 So marked have been the results, and advantages of the breeding 
 from individual plants to secure uniformity and desirable traits, that no 
 one who has followed it up intelligently can doubt the efficiency of the 
 method, but at the same time it is very evident that it takes care and a 
 good deal of time to accomplish results, which at first may seem easy. 
 
 Seed breeding is practical; it is not a theory or a fancy, but a rea- 
 sonable, result-producing process. The most successful farmers are giving 
 it careful consideration, nor does the improvement of seed add a burden 
 of labor and expense; but comes as an added asset to the grower's wealth, 
 and increases his pride in his crop. 
 
 Comparatively few men are capable of producing their seed for if 
 they are growing cantaloupes for market, their time and attention must 
 be occupied with the crop, and to select, cut and cure high grade canta- 
 loupe seed requires no little training and experience, and some little 
 equipment. 
 
 The grower who buys his seed should deal directly with a reliable 
 breeder who is qualified, and is making a specialty of growing the crop 
 for seed; a grower should not submit his seed order for "'lowest bid" if 
 he expects to get the best seed. 
 
 11 
 
Plate No. 7— A hill of Disease-iit'sisiaiii plants. 
 
 Plate No. S — A hill of Non-Resistant plants. 
 12 
 
fl^i:^ I Breeders AssociATio 
 
 CONDITIONS AND CULTURAL CAF^E 
 
 CLIMATE. 
 
 The cantaloupe seems to thrive in ratlier a wide range of soil and 
 (■limatic conditions, being grown to some extent in almost all of the states, 
 although from the standpoint of money returns, the area of very success- 
 ful cantaloupe culture is somewhat limited, yet it appears that it is more 
 the question of cultural care, disease and insect pests, or favorable market- 
 ing facilities which determine the success of the industry in a given 
 locality, rather than the specific soil or climatic conditions. 
 
 Plate No. 9 — An ideal seed cavity. 
 
 Climatic conditions within certain limits are essential to successful 
 cantaloupe culture, and the consideration of this topic may answer many 
 questions as to the adaptability of some sections for melon growing. First, 
 there should be a long, hot siimmer, with about five months free from 
 killing frosts, with a daily maximum temperature between 80 and 95 
 degrees during June, July and August, with a night temperature seldom 
 falling below 60 degrees; four months may mature good cantaloupes, but 
 with so short a season, frost would probably cut short the profits of the 
 crop, unless, as is done in some of the northern states having too short 
 season, the plants are started under frames in sods or paperbands; Second, 
 there should be plenty of bright sunshine, without excessive rainfalls; 
 this will secure good quality and lessen the liability to the attacks of 
 fungus troubles, that are so often fatal to the melon crop in rainy sections 
 or regions of heavy dews; without doubt the clear bright sunshine and 
 
 13 
 
fHf©<^kYl=bRDG^TAl£)UPEjEED 
 
 (Ji'^l<9<-Mj^ ^Breeders AssociATio 
 
 the arid conditions of Southeastern Colorado, accounts for the high flavor 
 and the fine qualities found in the Rocky Ford cantaloupes as is evidenced 
 in the poor quality in the cantaloupes witli an abnormal rain fall, which 
 sometimes occurs. 
 
 Sunlight is very essential to the full development of cantaloupes, for 
 the quality is perceptibly inferior in shaded spots; the dry atmospheric 
 conditions cause rapid transpiration of the moisture, from the leaves, thus 
 inducing a quick movement of sap or plant juices which increases the 
 power to carry and deposit plant foods, thus developing and concentrating 
 the spice of flavor and producing the very highest qualities. 
 
 We do not recommend cantaloupes to be planted in an orchard, where 
 there is any shade to speak of as they will not do well. 
 
 SOIL AND FERTILITY 
 
 It is conceded by all experienced cantaloupe growers, that the canta- 
 loupe thrives best in a warm, sandy loam; clay loam and other types 
 of soil may produce a good crop if the tilth and fertility are good, but 
 
 Plate No. 10 — Contrast in 
 
 growth of vines: on the left alfalfa sod; on the right 
 old worn land. 
 
 heavy soils are apt to be cold and backward, causing lateness in matur- 
 ing, and it is also generally believed that the nature of some types of 
 soils seriously influences the form, size and other qualities of the canta- 
 loupe. It is true, however, that the average size will vary in different 
 
 14 
 
seasons; in seasons of very favorable growth the cantaloupes will run 
 to a large proportion of "jumbo melons" (larger than standard) in seasons 
 less favorable, there will be more small or pony sizes. An actual test 
 of a crop on a piece of land, is the best proof of the fitness of the soil for 
 that crop; for while a chemical analysis may theoretically seem favorable, 
 in practice it may prove otherwise. 
 
 There are many factors that may influence the results; but in general 
 the land that will grow other vine crops, such as cucumbers, pumpkins 
 and squash, will probably grow good cantaloupes. 
 
 Soil for cantaloupes should have good drainage both surface and 
 subsoil, and in irrigated regions the land must have a uniform slope or 
 grade so that the water will run even, without soaking or flooding the 
 hills; if there is one point above another in cantaloupe culture that needs 
 special emphasis, it is the caution against oversoakiiig; or flooding of the 
 surface of the field; this will be further discussed under the topic "Irri- 
 gation," but the point must be held in mind in many of the operations, 
 and in selecting the field, to have it well drained on the surface as well as 
 the subsoil. 
 
 If no detrimental soil conditions, like seepage or alkali, exist, the 
 question of fertility is usually the most important one in relation to the 
 soil; barnyard manure is an old standby, and cantaloupes of all crops, 
 will respond as well to well-rotted-compost better than any form of com- 
 mercial fertilizer, but experience of the most convincing sort has shown 
 
 Plate No. 11 — The contrast between an imperfect and a perfect Cantaloupe. 
 
 that soil cannot be made to produce good cantaloupes indefinitely, year 
 after year, by applying manure and artificial fertilizers. 
 
 Aside from fertility there are also the questions of plant diseases, 
 soil bacteria and unbalanced food supply. Crop-rotation has proven to 
 be the most practical and adequate means of preserving not only the 
 
 15 
 
"^l^S^^ I Breeders association 
 
 proper fertility, but tlie nearest approach to securing uninfested soil i on- 
 ditions, hence, crop rotation becomes an important phase of cantaloupe 
 culture. 
 
 Alfalfa, to the western ranches occupies the same place that clover 
 does to the eastern farmer, or the cow pea to the southern planter; 
 these crops for their respective sections, provide ideal soil fertility and 
 tilth for the cantaloupe. In Colorado alfalfa sod is the ideal soil prepara- 
 tion for cantaloupes, and a comparison of the results en alfalfa sod with 
 even well manured old land will convince the most skeptical. Plate No. 10. 
 Experience has demonstrated that early matured cantaloupes can hardly 
 be expected on soil following a heavy fertility consuming crop, like sugar 
 beets or corn, a good late crop being the usual result. Nearly all the fine 
 records of early yields and high prices have been made on soil that was 
 in a perfect state of tilth and fertility. 
 
 Soil can be made too rich in applying manures, and the principal 
 point in the application of fertilizers is to have a reasonable amount, and 
 well incorporated in the soil, and in the case of barnyard manure, to have 
 it well rotted. In Colorado, manuring in the hill, has been found to have 
 no advantage over the broadcast method, owing probably to the wide 
 spreading root system of the plant; commercial fertilizers have not been 
 profitably used in Colorado. 
 
 PREPARING LAND FOR CANTALOUPES 
 
 The secret of getting soil in that ashy, mellow condition so desirable 
 for cantaloupes, is one largely of experience, for handling soil in the same 
 manner on different farms will seldom get the same results; one may 
 
 Plate No. 12 — Leveling- Land, and Finins the Soil. 
 16 
 
" 1<Q,LIVT I 5PEEDCR5 ASSOCI ATIO 
 
 be a clay, the other a sandy loam. The texture and the previous cropping 
 has much to do with the way soil can be handled. In general, there must 
 be moisture in the soil during the winter to secure the mellowing effect of 
 the frost, and the soil must not be handled too wet. If clay or adobe 
 "packs," it will dry hard and lumpy; real sandy soil can be handled wet 
 with less risks than other soils. The soil should be friable so that the 
 harrow will pulverize it without clogging as it does in mud, and yet not 
 so dry as to leave the field full of clods. 
 
 Before plowing, the soil should be well disked for two reasons. 
 First, to thoroughly mix the soil with any fertilizer previously applied, 
 and second, to pulverize the soil on the surface, so that after the work 
 of preparation is complete, the bottom of the furrow will be as finely 
 prepared as the top. Plowing for cantaloupes is usually made to the 
 depth of five to six inches; in the arid region the plowed land must be 
 closely harrowed behind the plow, to prevent too rapid drying of the 
 surface, and should be closed up by flneing the soil on top; this is usually 
 accomplished with the steel harrow with the teeth turned nearly flat, or 
 with a float or land leveler, a fine dust mulch will check evaporation, and 
 thus conserve the soil moisture, to enable a more thorough harrowing 
 to complete the preparation. Preparing the land some time before planting 
 is advisable as the soil becomes settled, and the seed will germinate more 
 readily and a more uniform stand will be secured. The soil should also 
 be harrowed after cold si)riiig rains, to check evaporation, which will tend 
 to aid in warming up the soil. Before laying out the rows to plant, while 
 the surface of the soil is dry, the field should be carefully leveled with a 
 land leveler; See Plate No. 12; removing all the high points and filling 
 the hollows and dead furrows, so that in irrigating the water will run 
 uniformly without flooding the rows, or oversoaking any of the hills. 
 
 Plate Xo. 13— Markin 
 
 ()ut Cantaloupe 
 17 
 
 ws. with Two-row Marker. 
 
f 
 
^P '^^KB^'^n Breeders AssociATiOK 
 
 About planting time, the field Is laid off with a marker in rows five 
 to six feet apart, in the opposite direction to the rows to be planted, which 
 are laid off with the irrigation furrows, in the best direction for water 
 to run, the irrigation rows are usually made about the same distance 
 apart, usually six feet, these furrows can be made with a single shovel 
 plow or a two row marker or furrower, shown in Plate No. 13. In the 
 non-irrigated regions these furrows could serve for surface drainage after 
 heavy rains. 
 
 PLANTING AND SECURING A STAND 
 
 The first requisite in planting cantaloupes, is to have the weather 
 wai-ui, for warmth and moisture are the two essentials in seed germina- 
 tion. :\Iany growers make the mistake of planting while the ground 
 is yet cold with freezing temperature occurring every few nights. If per- 
 
 Piate No. 14— I'lanliny Cantaluuyes with a Hand Planter. 
 
 chance the days are warm enough to germinate the seed, the plants are 
 stunted and make a slow tantalizing growth, should they be so fortunate 
 as to escape these late frosts of spring. 
 
 As a general rule, a few days before the latest freeze may be ex- 
 pected, is as early as it is safe to plant. At Rocky Ford, May 1st, marks 
 the usual date of the latest frost, but even then there are risks to run, 
 as killing frosts have occurred as late as the tenth of May, or even later. 
 It is comniou for cantaloupes planted as early as the tenth of May to 
 begin to ripen as soon as the earlier planted seed, so as a rule it is not to 
 
 20 
 
cl^f'^M Breeders AssociATio 
 
 ATION 
 
 much advantage to plant very early; tne grower must be the judge in 
 regard to his soil and climate. 
 
 There are two systems of planting cantaloupes, — the drill-row and in 
 hills. In the hill system, the field is check-rowed like corn, to permit cul- 
 tivating in each direction, the rows usually being laid off five to six feet 
 apart, and the hills about the same distance in the rows. By dropping 
 eight to ten seed to the hill, it will require about a pound of seed to plant 
 an acre. It is advisable to plant plenty of seed in order to secure a good 
 stand, allowing for the attacks of the cutworms and other destructive 
 agencies. 
 
 There are two methods of planting cantaloupes in hills, — ^with a hoe, 
 and with a hand planter, commonly called a "snapper" shown in Plate 
 No. 14. The rotary type of this form of planter is usually the most satis- 
 factory, but some modifications are usually necessary to fit it for dropping 
 cantaloupe seed. 
 
 By filling the holes of one of the regular corn dropping plates with 
 lead, then by boreing out with a three-eights drill bit and by testing and 
 
 '■'\!^Pill*li?' 
 
 Plate No. lii— Planting Cantaloupes with Garden Drill. 
 
 enlarging the holes it can be regulated to drop quite well; the seed box 
 will also need close fitting, to prevent the thin flat seed from leaking out. 
 A block or stop should be attached to the blades at about the depth to 
 plant, about one and a half inches, this will insure uniform depth, which 
 is essential. Great care should be exercised to have the depression or 
 hole formed in the soil by the thrust of the planter, filled or leveled with 
 the foot; otherwise the seed will dry out, field mice will more readily find 
 the hills, and a hard dash of rain will form a hard chunk, or crust right 
 over the seed. The surface of the soil should be dry to insure good work 
 
 21 
 
"'^1<9^'^'' l~ Breeders AssociATioK 
 
 with the planter. A man with some experience can plant from three to 
 five acres per day with a planter, while one acre per day is about all that 
 can be accomplished with a hoe. 
 
 The principal argument for the hill system of growing cantaloupes, is 
 the economy in labor, for more of the weeding and hoeing can be done 
 with a horse. 
 
 In the drill system the rows are usually put about the same distance 
 apart, but the seed are sown in drill rows, the seed being dropped every 
 two or three inches; this method requires about two to three pounds of 
 seed per acre. The seed is sown either with a hand drill, shown in Plate 
 No. 15, the horse planter or the sugar beet drill is used in the Rocky Ford 
 district. The important point is to get the seed dropped uniformly, and 
 the drill set to plant at a uniform depth, — not over one and a half inches; 
 as soon as the plants are nicely up they should be thinned to single plants, 
 far enough apart to permit hoeing between. After the danger from insect 
 injuries is over, and about the time the first blossoms appear, the plants 
 should be thinned again to one plant every two feet, on the average; the 
 tendency at this point is to leave the plants too thick, especially if the 
 plants are extra fine. The most advanced plants are selected, which is 
 the cause of the drilled fields usually maturing earlier than the hill 
 planted, and the earlier development usually compensates for the extra 
 cost of the increased amount of seed, and the added labor of thinning. 
 
 The essential points in planting are to get the seed planted at a 
 uniform depth, and at a uniform distance from the irrigation furrow; 
 to have the soil fine and firmed just right, to skillfully conserve and apply 
 moisture, and to keep a crust from interfering with the young seedlings. 
 
 In the arid regions the seed is usually planted about one-half inch 
 deeper than it is expected the plants will come through, in order to hold 
 the moisture line to the seed. When the seed is well sprouted the hills 
 are raked off with a garden rake, removing the crust and any clods that 
 might interfere. Sometimes the field is harrowed across the rows with 
 good results, especially where the rows are drilled in. This matter of 
 "raking off" and keeping the surface fine over the hills is a very import- 
 ant point to be observed in securing a good stand. 
 
 IRRIGATION 
 
 The moisture problem in cantaloupe growing is a very important 
 one. Some times in the humid sections, there is too much water, and it 
 becomes the question of how to save the crop, but little can be said here, 
 except to select well drained fields for the cantaloupes and provide the field 
 with furrows, like the irrigation furrow, to carry off the excess rain water, 
 and to plant on somewhat raised hills or ridges. 
 
 In the arid sections the moisture for the crop as a rule depends on 
 the irrigation furrow, and the skill of the grower to so manipulate the soil 
 and water. Too many look upon irrigation as a simple process of run- 
 ning water through the rows, or over the ground, paying little or no at- 
 tention to the needs or demands, or the dangers of flooding or oversoaking 
 the land. When soil is completely saturated with water, the air is prac- 
 tically all driven out and the soil settles, which defeats the very object 
 and purpose of plowing and the other work of soil preparation, which will 
 dry hard and nothing but frost can ever mellow it as before. 
 
 The application of water to all such crops as cantaloupes should be 
 by sub-irrigation, that is, the moisture should soak through the soil to 
 the plant or seed, from the irrigation furrow, without the surface of the 
 
 22 
 
FfecKYKrs^s^^ 
 
 soil, except in the furrows coming in contact witli the water; this is essen- 
 tial, not only for the needs of the plants, but also the same amount of 
 water will serve a longer time the needs of the plants, the water rights 
 in some ditches makes it necessary to conserve the moisture as long as 
 possible. 
 
 In order to supply the moisture uniformly to the seed along the row, 
 the seed must have been planted at a uniform distance from the water line, 
 about four to six inches, to insure uniformity in the soaking of the rows, 
 the rows should be "logged" out, or smoothed out with a short piece of 
 log about the size of the furrow; this will cause the water to run through 
 quickly, and by regulating the amount in each row, the rows will become 
 uniformly wet without flooding or soaking the ground. Plate No. 16 
 shows a field being properly irrigated, to germinate the seed. When the 
 
 Plate No. 16 — Irrigating- to Germinate Seed, Without Flooding. 
 
 water can be gotten through the rows quickly and the amount regulated 
 to supply the rows about as fast as it soaks in the soil, the upper and 
 lower parts of the row will become wet at about the same time and 
 amount, with practically little water wasted. 
 
 The idea is to soak the rows until the water has fully reached the 
 seed, while the surface over the hill remains nearly dry; this is ideal coii- 
 ditiou for germination and is sufficient for the needs of the plants in all 
 the early irrigations. Later the rows can be soaked till moisture shows 
 on the surface back to the plants. 
 
 Under Colorado conditions, one irrigation after planting, and one 
 again about the time the plants are coming up, is ordinarily all that is 
 required until after the first cultivation, after that irrigation and cultiva- 
 
 23 
 
f K9J-^ i~~ BREEDfRSASSOClAIlON 
 
 tion alternate each other every week or ten days, the exact number of 
 times depending on the weather and soil conditions. 
 
 The amount of irrigation necessary to secure the best results in canta- 
 loupe culture, is subject to so many varying factors, that it is impossible 
 to lay down an exact rule. In the first place, the cantaloupe does not 
 thrive in a wet soil, as evidenced by the injury and poor quality of the 
 crop in seasons of excessive rain.' The needs of the crop in the first stages 
 are very small, and as light watering as possible to secure the needed 
 moisture, is best: then as the plant develops the amount of irrigation 
 should be increased, light, frequent irrigations, rather than heavy soakings 
 at long intervals has proven to be the best plan. 
 
 When the vines are nearly grown and set full of developing fruit 
 a heavier irrigation is then needed by the plant, but as soon as the fruit 
 have reached their growth, light waterings should again be the rule; to 
 insure the best quality, little if any irrigation should be applied during 
 the picking season, just enough to prevent severe wilting: it is at this 
 time that the cantaloupe "rust" fungus makes its appearance, and moisture 
 and dews are favorable to its development. 
 
 The dryer the season, the better the quality in cantaloupes, is an 
 axiom that should induce more careful irrigation among cantaloupe grow- 
 ers in the irrigated sections. 
 
 The relation of irrigation to early setting of cantaloupes is a some- 
 what mooted question: there are growers who argue the use of frequent 
 irrigations during the setting period in order to secure a good set, but 
 others prefer to keep their vines dry, even allowing them to show the 
 need of moisture before they will permit irrigation during this stage. 
 
 It is evident that the season and climatic conditions have more 
 to do with the setting of fruit than the watering: there are experiences 
 that might seem to support both theories: yet continued observations 
 would indicate that a grower is not warranted in following either course 
 to the extreme, but rather the medium plan of providing just enough 
 moisture to secure an even, healthy growth all the way through, would 
 seem to be most favorable condition. 
 
 An excess of water in hot weather is apt to induce a heavy growth 
 of vine at the expense of early "sets" due to the rank growth, and such 
 succulent growth is also much more liable to succumb to the attack of 
 diseases and insect pests. 
 
 HOEING 
 
 Hoeing the hills is of great importance, but it should be done with 
 skill both as to the time and in the manner it is done, for careless hoeing 
 IS a common error: if the seed has been properly planted in mellow 
 soil and the irrigation properly applied, there is no reason for deep hoeing 
 in and close to the hill, as it only disturbs the plant and dries out the 
 soil: weeds can be destroyed by rather shallow hoeing. 
 
 The dry, cloddy soil on the surface of the hill, should be removed 
 and replaced with fine mellow soil drawn up from away from the hill, 
 hilling up l^he plants as much as possible: even to almost covering the 
 two seed leaves, this will protect the plants from wind, and in&ects to a 
 large measure: but the most important feature of this process is the hold- 
 ing of the moisture well upon the stems, affording the best condition for 
 a long base for the development of the roots, as well as supplying the 
 plant with moisture. If on the other hand, the soil in the hill is loosened 
 up with the hoe and not hilled up by drawing the loosened soil to the 
 plant with the hoe, the hill will usually dry out, and only a short portion 
 of the stem be in moist soil to induce root development. 
 
 24 
 
^^fec.vK.'iSocfe 
 
 CULTIVATION 
 
 A thorough preparation of the soil before it is planted to cantaloupes 
 will very much lessen the necessity for so much cultivation afterwards, 
 but a good deal depends on frequent and thorough tillage during the early 
 stages of the growth of cantaloupes, at first it should be deep and thorough, 
 but not close enough to disturb the plants; the cultivations should be more 
 shallow and further from the hills as the plants develop. The grower who 
 cultivates deep and close to the hill because the vines do not prevent this, 
 is cutting off roots, setting back his crop more than he is doing good. He 
 should understand the growth of the roots, for they form the counterpart 
 of the vines on the surface, only they ramify the soil more thoroughly 
 and to a greater distance than the length of the vines, so it is easily possi- 
 ble to damage the crop by careless cultivation. Examinations in the soil 
 between the rows will reveal the tiny rootlets very thick, four to five inches 
 deep, hence surface tillage after the vines start should be the rule, in irri- 
 gated regions of Colorado root pruning seems to be detrimental to the crop. 
 
 In the humid areas of the South under heavy rain falls, experienced 
 growers recommend deeper planting and deep thorough cultivations. They 
 argue that deep cultivation will induce a deep root system, so if the 
 season is excessively wet, the deep stirring will dry out the ground faster, 
 and the root pruning will have the effect of checking the too rapid growth 
 of vines that usually accompanies wet conditions and hot weather, and 
 then on the other hand, the season proves to be a dry one, the heavy 
 soil mulch will conserve moisture in the subsoil, and the deep root system 
 will permit the plants to develop a good crop, while on the shallow stirred 
 soil the crop will burn up. 
 
 TOOLS USED IN CANTALOUPE CULTURE 
 
 The fourteen-toothed cultivator, with a steel weeding knife bolted 
 across between the two back teeth, so as to run just below the surface, 
 an inch of two, has become the most popular tool for cultivating on land 
 clean of alfalfa roots or trash. This gives ideal tillage, and practically 
 kills all the weeds except in the hills. 
 
 On alfalfa sod where the crowns would gather on the knife it is not 
 so pleasant to use yet it will do very satisfactory work, but here the 
 five-toothed cultivator is usually used; this tool is also used to furrow- 
 out rows by closing it up and placing a large shovel on the rear shank. 
 When the cantaloupes are "laid by" (cultivated and furrowed out the 
 last time) the irrigating furrows are made somewhat larger than before 
 and thy should be "logged out" so that water can make its way through 
 the rows after the vines have covered the ditches, it is also a good plan 
 to lay the vines around out of the furrows once, to train them as much 
 as possible away from the furrows: this will keep many of the cantaloupes 
 out of the ditch, though the vines will eventually nearly cover the ground. 
 
 A two horse ten-toothed riding corn cultivator makes a splendid tool 
 for large acreage. 
 
 25 
 
'"5lt©Civu_ Breeders ASSOCIATE 
 
 Plate Nu. 17 — The euiiimon tuols used in CantaUjupe culture. 
 
 GENERAL CARE OF THE CROP 
 
 If there is a secret in getting early cantaloupes, it is in growing 
 them from start to finish in such a way that the growth is not checked 
 at any time. The cantaloupe does not seem to have the power to rally 
 from a check in growth or an injury of any kind; the set back, not only 
 hinders the production of early fruits, but seriously affects the size and 
 yield of the cantaloupes. There are numerous instances where unfavorable 
 conditions of some kind, have checked the growth, in some part of a field 
 that was planted and otherwise handled the same; invariably that portion 
 of the field will show marked difference in size, netting or other qualities. 
 The best promise of a good crop is a prompt and steady growth from germi- 
 nation to maturity. 
 
 The seedling period is the critical time in the development of a crop 
 of cantaloupes, for it is at this stage that the check in growth usually 
 occurs, from cold weather, high winds, lack of moisture or the attacks of 
 insects. 
 
 A knowledge of the manner of growth of the root system and de- 
 velopment of the seedling, will in a measure explain the reasons for the 
 steps taken and the precautions that are necessary at this time in handling 
 the crop through this important period. 
 
 The root system that first develops when the seed germinates, pene- 
 trates almost directly down from the seed while the stem or radical is 
 pushing its way to the surface. These little roots seem to form a tempor- 
 ary support for the plant during the first two or three weeks, for up to 
 this time the stem from the seed point to the top of the ground is smooth 
 and white, with no evidence of the lateral roots. 
 
 26 
 
The second root system develops from the stem about the time 
 the fifth leaf appears, or four to five weeks after germination; these 
 roots seem to form the main feeders of the plant, for the growth of the 
 plant is almost insignificant until it feels the impulse of this larger and 
 better root system. The question of good early growth and maturity 
 almost hinges on the success of the farmer in supplying the conditions 
 that will favor the early and proper development of this lateral, or main 
 root system. It seems evident that the depth of planting and the manner 
 of managing the soil in the hill has an important relation to the early de- 
 velopment of these lateral roots. Experience teaches that seed planted 
 much over two inches in depth are slow and difficult to germinate, being 
 weakened by the long stem that is necessary to reach the surface, and on 
 the other hand, if planting is too shallow, the seeds are apt to dry out, 
 or if rain follows a crust will form, which must be removed, and that often 
 exposes the seeds that are not planted at a sufficient depth, with fatal 
 results, or leaves the plant with too shallow a stem support, it is then 
 whipped and wrung by the high, drying winds or exposed to the attacks 
 of the cucumber beetle. 
 
 Seed will germinate readily when weather conditions are favorable, if 
 planted at about the depth of one and one-half inches. 
 
 When the seed leaves are nearly to the surface, the hills should be 
 raked off, removing any crust or dry lumps which may obstruct the little 
 melon plant. Plenty of seed should be used to provide against a loss in 
 handling the hills, or from the attacks of insects. It also affords a chance 
 to select the thriftiest individual plants when the thinning is done. Owing 
 to the injuries from the striped cucumber beetle, the thinning should be 
 delayed until the plants have about the fifth leaf, when the beetle will 
 not do much more injury, the extra plants in the hill should be destroyed 
 by pinching or cutting off the stems, as pulling them out may disturb the 
 plants to be left. 
 
 INSECT ENEMIES 
 
 We will discuss this subject from the growers' standpoint only simply 
 mentioning the methods that have proven to be the most successful under 
 Colorado conditions. Doubtless in other states there are other pests and 
 other conditions to influence the results. 
 
 No sooner has the seed germinated, than the struggle for existence 
 begins; an effectual precaution is to plant plenty of seed, scattering it 
 well in the hill, and even replanting before it is evidently necessary, — 
 usually some replanting is required anyway. Crop rotation also, is often 
 a good way of avoiding infested fields, in fact, "prevention is better than 
 cure," in fighting insects and plant diseases. 
 
 The destruction of insect-harbors, such as weeds, old vines and plants, 
 should be given more consideration, and the cultivation of the fields in 
 the late fall, winter and early spring, will destroy many eggs and insects 
 that pass the winter in the soil, — grasshoppers and cutworms for instance. 
 
 THE STRIPED CUCUxMBER BEETLE. 
 
 This little black and yellow striped beetle, about a quarter of an 
 inch long, is doubtless one of the most common melon pests, especially 
 when the plants are young and in the two-leaf stage; long lists of reme- 
 dies have been tried, but the best that experienced entomologists have to 
 suggest is to spray the little plants as soon as possible with arsenate of 
 lead, at about the usual, three-pounds-to-the-fifty gallon formula. 
 
 The beetles are not killed by this remedy but it acts as an efficient 
 repellant. Spraying with the Bordeaux mixture is also recommended, but 
 
 27 
 
the Bordeaux is better for the little black flea-beetles when they bother, 
 as they do at times, but they usually work more on the cabbage, radish 
 and turnip. The best means of applying sprays to small plants is the 
 small type of sprayer that can be easily carried over the field, the type that 
 has an air chamber in which pressure is pumped in, and that has a cut-off 
 on the nozzle that works like a trigger, thus allowing the hills to be sprayed 
 with little waste of the material. A very good spray pump of this type is 
 The Brown Auto Spray No. 1, manufactured by The E. C. Brown Co., 
 Rochester, N. Y. 
 
 Dusting the hills with air slacked lime, through a common cheese 
 cloth sack is an old means of fighting the beetles but is not as effective 
 as the arsenate of lead spray. 
 
 THE MELON APHIS. 
 
 The melon aphis is doubtless the most serious pest that the canta- 
 loupe has to contend against in many places, and one against which re- 
 sistance is least effectual where conditions are favorable to the aphis. 
 
 Fortunately for the growers in Colorado, the natural enemies of the 
 aphis usually hold them in check quite effectually; the lady-beetle, the 
 Syrphus flies and the lace-winged fly are the principal enemies to the 
 aphis, some seasons a little parasitic fly destroys many aphis. 
 
 The only effective measure seems to be a careful watch of the fields 
 to destroy the first plants found to be infected with aphis, as it seems 
 that only a few insects are able to pass the winter, and they seem to 
 spread from a few isolated points, and if these can be destroyed by 
 finding them and burj'ing them, early, has seemed to be the only plan to 
 adopt, as spraying and fumigation has been tried by the most competent 
 experts with very "unsatisfactory results. 
 
 Spraying with "Blackleaf 40," one ounce to ten gallons of water, with 
 a little soap, say seven ounces, is the most effective spray where a few 
 hills become infested, but where the whole field becomes infested, spraying 
 has proven useless. 
 
 The introduction of the natural enemies, like the lady-beetles has 
 been tried in California with some promise, but this plan is in an ex- 
 perimental stage as yet. The necessity of supplying the enemy as soon 
 as the aphis appears, makes this plan rather impractical for the grower. 
 
 Destroying the v\finter harbor or host plant of the melon-aphis would 
 seem to be the best measure to adopt if possible; this winter harbor has 
 not fully been determined for some points. 
 
 THE PICKLE WORM. 
 
 We have received many complaints from growers in the Southern 
 part of the United States of injuries from this worm; we have made care- 
 ful inquiry to find the best information on this pest, but we are sorry that 
 there is no known remedy as yet, other than the general precautions of 
 clean farming, rotation of crops and fall plowing; in the more northern 
 melon districts, the attacks of this insect are apt to be only periodical, 
 which is true with nearly all insects, they appear in waves, one year they 
 may be very destructive and the next season will hardly be seen, so, there 
 is no need of giving up because there have been insect pests one year. The 
 eggs of the larvae of the pickle worm are deposited on the buds and tender 
 shoots of the plants and as the young worm hatches, it feeds in the angles 
 of the stems and leaves, and if the plants were well sprayed with arsenate 
 of lead, the first broods would be largely held in check, and subsequent 
 sprays might be profitable. 
 
 28 
 
^ K^h^^ [^ Breeders AssociATio 
 
 PLANT DISEASES 
 
 Crop, rotation, seed selection, or breeding for disease resistance offer 
 the best means of controlling plant diseases; the spraying of the crop 
 with Bordeaux mixture or other fungicides is about the only other means 
 at hand. In Colorado, spraying has not proven as successful as is reported 
 to be in other states, doubtless due to different climatic conditions. 
 
 Careful control of irrigation seems to offer one means of lessening the 
 attacks of some of the fungus troubles in the arid sections under irrigation. 
 
 HARVESTING 
 
 After all injuries to the crop have been explained and remedial 
 measures suggested, there still remains one great cause of poor returns 
 from the cantaloupe crop, viz., careless and unscrupulous methods of mar- 
 keting. When cantaloupes are scarce and sales are quick, there seems 
 to be no power on earth that will stay the hand of the average grower 
 as he pushes his crop onto the market, with the encouragement of advices 
 from his progressive (?) commission merchant; together they have pro- 
 duced a glutted market with inferior products, instead of protecting the 
 markets with a quality that would increase consumption, they simply let 
 it fill up with everything and anything, and neither the grower or the 
 consumer is benefited. It is common for growers to admit that they 
 are shipping cantaloupes that are not fit to be eaten, and it, is not strange 
 that a similar complaint comes from the consumer. Not till the grower 
 is honest with himself, should he expect good returns. 
 
 PICKING 
 
 When green or over-ripe melons are allowed to go onto the markets, 
 the trouble usually is in the picking; careless or mistaken ideas often 
 prevailing. There is a very narrow limit in the stage of ripeness that 
 a cantaloupe can be picked and have it in the right condition for distant 
 markets. On one hand, it can not be picked so green as a tomato or 
 lemon, and still ripen during shipment to fair quality, nor, on the other 
 hand, can it be allowed to show any distinct color of ripeness, like an 
 apple, without it becomes too soft on long shipments. 
 
 It should be ripe enough so the flesh will be sweet when cut open, 
 yet too hard to be eaten for a day or two; it requires skill and experience 
 to determine the proper stage. 
 
 Jocularly, it has been said, "The cantaloupe has three stages in three 
 days, — green, ripe and rotten." This expresses the fact that there is a 
 very short period for marketing the crop in good condition, yet if picked 
 at the proper stage, handled right, under refrigeration it can be shipped 
 to distant markets in quite normal condition. 
 
 It is hard to describe to a novice, just how to detect the right stage 
 to pick a cantaloupe; there is first, a very slight change of color in the 
 interstices of the netting, hardly enough, however, to attract the attention 
 of the inexperienced; second, it is tried with a pressure of the thumb 
 or forefirger, when it should "slip," that is, separate in the same manner 
 as when real ripe; but requiring some little force but not enough to break 
 the stem or flesh out, conditions of the vines, and climate will at times 
 vary the picker's judgment to some extent; but by cutting occasionally 
 a melon the point can be decided. It is very essential that pickers be 
 carefully instructed, and closely watched, for the good returns should not 
 be expected from green, or overripe cantaloupes. 
 
 29 
 
^fec^vK^.S2;^cS,^ 
 
 PACKING AND CRATING 
 
 The fruit should be carefully handled, not bruised, or roughly shaken 
 to loosen the seed cavity, they should be hurried to the shade and crated 
 as soon as possible; the cantaloupes should be carefully graded before 
 crating, not only as to size, but for condition of ripeness; for there will 
 always be some a little too ripe which must not be crated with the 
 green-ripes, or the markets will suffer. In grading, the ripe melons can 
 often be marketed in local or nearby markets, and the ones just right 
 reserved for the long distance shipments. 
 
 In crating, the layers must be uniform, and tight, but not so crowded 
 as to crush or bruise the flesh, yet there should not be a loose melon in 
 the crate if it is expected to carry well. 
 
 In crating, the ends of the crate should be supported on the crating 
 table, so that the slats can spring down in the center of the crate, then 
 
 Plate No. 18— Three styles of packing. 
 
 when the crate is finished and nailed up there will be no spring of the 
 slats to loosen the pack when the crate is picked up. 
 
 The crate has been the standard package for a long distance haul, 
 but there is a needed reform in the matter of grading and packing canta- 
 loupes, as the old style grading of "pony," "standard" and "jumbo" sizes 
 has proven unsatisfactory. The standard 45-melon crate is good, but the 
 "pony" has included too many immature cantaloupes, and has not been 
 profitable in general and should be discarded. The "jumbo" crate is too 
 heavy to handle well, and often difficult to crate well, when there are only 
 a few cantaloupes that run to the jumbo sizes. 
 
 We submit the accompanying illustration of three styles of crating 
 cantaloupes which will prove adequate to handle the marketable canta- 
 loupes in the simplest way; with only two styles of crates required. 
 
 30 
 
^t>^v^* [ Bpffdfpc AccoriATioi^ 
 
 The standard sized cantaloupes would be first crated in a regular 
 standard crate 12x12x2 4, 4 5 cantaloupes to the crate, then a size larger 
 packed in the same sized crate with 36 cantaloupes to the crate, packed 
 with what is known as the "diamond" pack, — as shown in the halftone. 
 
 The larger jumbo sizes then to be crated in a flat, one-layer crate 
 with twelve cantaloupes to the crate, this crate would probably need to 
 be about 5x14x24, this would be easy to handle, and popular for private 
 home trade. With this style of grading and packing, there could be just 
 three classifications, "Standard 45s," "Standard 36s" and "flats" and 
 there would be less bruising, trying to crowd large cantaloupes into 
 crates, and handling large unwieldy jumbo crates, besides simplifying the 
 number of different crates. 
 
 MARKETING 
 
 Marketing a crop of cantaloupes to good advantage is probably the 
 most perplexing phase of the industry; we might classify the different 
 methods of marketing in order to consider them: 
 
 First, Selling to the Local Trade — There is little to be said on this, 
 other than the grower already knows, good goods, and fair treatment. 
 Second, Selling on Consignment — This seems to be like "stepping out into 
 the unknown," there are so many uncertainties. There are several factors 
 to consider here; the growers should be organized, in order to buy crates 
 .and load to advantage, they must take pains to find responsible commission 
 men, they must plan to keep in touch with the markets, to know what the 
 market needs and demands, and live up to their end of the deal, in ship- 
 ping only first class cantaloupes; they should have some plan of co- 
 operation so that in times of limited markets they could prorate the sales: 
 or limit the growers to a certain number of crates to be shipped per acre 
 when the market was glutted, and only a certain amount should be sent 
 to the market, as it is better to leave the cantaloupes in the field than to 
 ship and lose the work and still injure the glutted markets. 
 
 Probably the greatest encouragement in recent years for the canta- 
 loupe growers, is the plan of the cantaloupe distributors forming an ex- 
 change, and co-operating in holding the markets free from glutted condi- 
 tions. The plan is to have the distributors in a district get together each 
 day and divide or prorate the shipments to certain markets, and not send 
 to any one market more than it is possible for that market to dispose of; 
 this plan has been worked to perfection in the Imperial Valley in California, 
 and in the Rocky Ford district, the past season, and growers everywhere 
 should refuse to deal with a commission firm who would refuse to co- 
 operate in this way; — growers' melons have been used to fight their neigh- 
 bors too long. Third, Marketing in Transit — There are several commission 
 firms who make this a specialty, in handling the large shipments from the 
 big melon districts; in reality it does not differ from the commission form 
 of selling, only the organization of a marketing system to keep in touch 
 with the different markets and their needs; this could be handled by a 
 competent manager of a large Association if it were not for the short 
 season that the cantaloupes are handled from any one district, the large 
 commission firms having the same organization that they can utilize for 
 other products, hence it is doubtful if there is any better plan than to 
 market through some of the well established agencies. Fourth, Marketing 
 for Cash — This is the Utopian idea of the growers everywhere, and as long 
 as cantaloupes are selling well it is alright, but when the price goes down 
 the cash buyer is gone. 
 
 31 
 
V 1<S^'^^ I BREEDERS ASSOCIATIOR 
 
 Strains and Varieties of Rocky Ford Cantaloupes 
 
 There is a prevalent idea that there is a variety of cantaloupe known 
 as "Rocky Fords," strictly, this is erroneous; unless it is a name to em- 
 brace the miscellaneous cheap seed that is purchased from Rocky Ford, 
 and catalogued under that name by a number of seed firms. 
 
 The fact is, the Netted Gem was the original variety used to develop 
 the Rocky Ford cantaloupe industry, but thirty years of selecting and 
 crossing has developed greatly improved types that are distinct and very 
 different in many respects; but there are really only two or three types; 
 one, — the "Pollock," has been renamed "Eden Gem," "Netted Rock," 
 "Rust resistant" and so on, and the selection ideals followed by the men 
 exploiting the new names have established slightly different strains of the 
 Pollock. Hence there is a good deal of confusion in regard to Rocky 
 Ford seed. 
 
 We are on the ground and have been familiar with the whole history 
 of the different strains and without prejudice we have selected, after care- 
 ful tests what we know to be the best strains, and we have adopted a syste- 
 matic method of selecting and breeding which will develop and maintain 
 the traits that the different strains are designed to represent. 
 
 The markets have a demand for both the GREEN, and SALMON- 
 TINTED flesh in the Rocky Ford strains of cantaloupes; this is entirely 
 distinct from the orange colored meat of the Osage types; and the growers 
 also demand an extra early strain beside the main crop sort. We have 
 aimed to meet these demands in the strains that we hereafter describe. 
 
 KUST-RESISTANT POLLOCIi, SALMON-TINTED, NO. 25. 
 
 The original "Pollock" was the result of a hybrid, as running through 
 nearly all the Pollock strains there are the two colors in flesh and various 
 combinations of them, — Green and Salmon-tinted. 
 
 Through individual plant selection we have isolated these colors so 
 as to run almost uniformly in two strains which we believe to be the best. 
 Our Salmon-tinted No. 25, is a remarkable strain, not only for Its uniform- 
 ity, but for its netting, color of the flesh, quality of the flesh — both texture 
 and flavor, — disease-resistance of the vine, prolific yields and ability to 
 "make good" in various soil conditions; for out of over a thousand cus- 
 tomers, we have not had a complaint of any kind from this No. 25; we 
 would especially recommend this strain to those who have had dissatis- 
 faction in other strains from any cause. The Pollock strains are later 
 than some others we have to offer, but for quality they have no equal. 
 
 KUST-RESISTANT POLLOCK, GREEN FLESHED. 
 
 Our Green-fleshed Pollock is very similar to the other Pollock, except 
 in the color of the flesh, which runs more green, shading to yellow at 
 the cavity; we would recommend this strain for markets that demand a 
 green-fleshed cantaloupe. The general character and appearance of the 
 two strains of Pollock are the same; we class these two Pollocks as the 
 best late or main crop varieties, of Rocky Ford Netted Gems. 
 
 THE RYAN'S EARLY WATTERS STRAIN. 
 
 There are localities where the early cantaloupe is very profitable and 
 there is a demand for an early maturing cantaloupe; our Ryan's Early 
 Watters meets that demand; this strain holds the best records of high 
 returns, on account of its very prolific yields of extra early cantaloupes. 
 In appearance it is almost identical with the Pollock type, it has the green 
 colored flesh, and the same general flavor. We have bred it as carefully, 
 but the special point in the selection has been proliflc, early maturity. 
 This strain germinates very strong, vigorous plants, the fruit sets early, 
 
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> l<y>-'^^ 1 Breeders AssociATioR 
 
 and the crop matures in a very short time, yet is extremely prolific, often 
 making yields of two hundred and fifty crates, per acre. At Rocky Ford 
 it begins to ripen about Aug. 1, and is fully a week earlier than the Pollock 
 strains. We would recommend it where the tendency to fungus troubles 
 is not too marked, and for a small portion of a grower's plantings it will 
 doubtless pay in many locations. 
 
 EARLY RUST-RESISTANT, HYBRID NO. 2. 
 
 Several years ago we succeeded in getting a cross of the Rust-Re- 
 sistant Pollock and the Early Watters, this we have named our Hybrid 
 No. 2. It combines the two characteristics of early maturity and disease 
 resistance. This strain has a remarkable vigor of growth, until it has 
 set and developed a large set of fruit, and then the growth seems to 
 stop, — that is the new shoots, the vines seeming to throw all the force into 
 the development of the fruit. This trait seems to make it desirable in one 
 point, as it has not been so seriously attacked by the melon aphis as the 
 strains that have plenty of young succulent shoots. 
 
 This strain has now been grown three seasons for market, and while 
 we have priced it higher than our other strains, each year we have been 
 short of this seed, but this season we have grown a good quantity, and 
 expect to lower the price to the same as our other seed. 
 
 We consider this Hybrid No. 2 the best early strain by all odds. It 
 is early as the Watters, and almost as disease-enduring as the Pollock 
 strains; it is very prolific, and especially so in producing a heavy yield of 
 the first early sets. 
 
 The flesh of this strain is green, the netting exceptionally good, the 
 cantaloupes are rather inclined to be longer in form than our other strains, 
 and is not quite as regular in size, yet its many good qualities make it 
 the most desirable cantaloupe to plant for early; in our estimation, a very 
 good mate for our No. 2 5, where an early and late strain are both desired. 
 
 NEW STRAINS OF PROMISE. 
 
 Triple Hybrid No. 3. We have succeeded in blending the good quali- 
 ties of three varieties into one strain which for three seasons we have 
 tested in nursery selections and we feel confident that it has great merit; 
 the melon has an exceedingly heavy close netting, and thick flesh, of a 
 salmon tint at the center, with a deep zone of emerald near the rind. This 
 cantaloupe runs rather large at present, but on account of its exceptionally 
 attractive appearance, we believe it would be valuable to market growers, 
 especially for local trade, we do not care to offer this seed for sale until 
 it has had a test in the different districts, and we are anxious to place it 
 in the hands of a large number of market gardeners, to test, throughout 
 the country. 
 
 Therefore we will send free to any one sending us a list of the market 
 gardeners of their vicinity interested in growing cantaloupes, a large two- 
 to-four ounce package of this new cantaloupe. 
 
 The Osage type of cantaloupe that has been grown for several years 
 around Ordway, Colo., adjacent to the Rocky Ford district, is becoming 
 very popular on the market on account of its exceptionally good keeping 
 quality, and its thick, orange colored flesh that has an exceptionally spicy 
 flavor which many are fond of. But this variety has the weakness of 
 having a very unattractive form and appearance, and a very undesirable 
 tendency to crack open when nearly ripe, thus resulting in a great loss to 
 growers, and in fact on this account, this variety has not been a success 
 except in a few localities. 
 
 We are very glad to announce that we have a hybrid of this Defender 
 cantaloupe and the Pollock, which has great promise of combining the 
 
 33 
 
jrtDr^rKYl^bRDGf^TALOUPEjEEij , 
 
 " \K9^^~ I Breeders association 
 
 fine netting and appearance, and disease-resistance of the Pollock, with the 
 deep orange flesh, small seed cavity, and spicy flavor of the Ordway canta- 
 loupe. However, we have no seed of this Hybrid to distribute this season. 
 
 The following table gives the usual time of planting and the period 
 
 of harvest for the different districts where we have furnished seed; which 
 
 we have taken from reports we have received from some of our customers: 
 
 District and State. Dates of Planting. Period of Ripening. 
 
 Brownsville, Texas Feb. 10 to 20 May 10 to June 10. 
 
 Gainesville, Pla Feb. 10 to 20 May 10 to June. 
 
 Imperial Valley, Calif Feb. 20 to March May 20 to July 1. 
 
 Lake Charles, La March 1 to 15 June 1 to July 1. 
 
 Northern Louisiana March 20 to April 20 June 20 to July 20. 
 
 Blackville, S. C Apr 
 
 Belton, Ark Apr 
 
 Southern Mississippi Apr 
 
 Glendale, Ariz Apr 
 
 Atoka, Okla Apr 
 
 Decker, Ind Apr 
 
 Southwest Arkansas Apr 
 
 Moapa, Nev Apr 
 
 Dover, Del Apr 
 
 Anna, 111 Vpr 
 
 Knox Co., Tenn Apr 
 
 Greenriver, Utah Apr 
 
 Eastern Washington Apr 
 
 Medford, Oregon Apr 
 
 1 1 to 15 June 15 to July 10. 
 
 1 1 to 20 July 1 to Aug. 1. 
 
 1 1 to 10 July 1 to Aug. 1. 
 
 1 1 to 20 July 5 to Aug. 5. 
 
 1 1 to May July 10 to Sept. 
 
 1 1, in hot beds July 10 to Aug. 20. 
 
 1 1 to 15 July 1 to Aug. 1. 
 
 1 1 to 15 July 20 to Aug. 10. 
 
 1 5 to 20 Aug. 1 to 15. 
 
 1 5 to 15 Aug. 1 to 20. 
 
 1 20 to May 20 July 20 to Sept. 
 
 1 20 to May July 25 to Aug. 25. 
 
 1 20 to May Aug. 1 to Sept. 
 
 1 10 to May Aug. 1 to Sept. 
 
 Parsonsburg, Md May 1 to 18 July 20 to Aug. 15. 
 
 Northwest Arkansas May 1 to 15 July 20 to Aug. 15. 
 
 Rocky Ford, Colo May 1 to June 1 Aug. 5 to Oct. 1. 
 
 St. Thomas, Pa May 10 to 20 Aug. 25 to Sept. 10. 
 
 Fredericksburg, Va May 10 Aug. 10 to Sept. 1. 
 
 King Hill, Idaho May 10 Aug. 10 to Sept. 
 
 Michigan May 20 Aug. 20 to Sept. 20. 
 
 The above table is far from complete, and in many cases may not 
 Indicate the exact dates or range of season, but it is worked out from 
 the material we had at hand, we would be glad to receive at any time 
 any additions or corrections, so that in time we may complete the table so 
 as to serve as a guide for growers. 
 
 It will be noted that there is a wide range of differences in the time 
 of ripening when cantaloupes are planted at about the same time, due to 
 the different seasons, the climatic conditions, and the soil, and these same 
 differences make different results in the appearance and quality of the 
 cantaloupes to quite an extent. 
 
 A WORD ABOUT ORDERING SEED 
 
 In order to save good seed from fields from which no cantaloupes 
 are marketed, we are compelled to waive the chances of marketing our 
 crop in August and September at prices often more remunerative than 
 what we would receive from seed; besides having to wait six to seven 
 months for the returns from the seed sales, which are usually made in the 
 following spring. But we have based our prices of seed on the average 
 return from cantaloupes for a series of years, and hence we do not expect 
 to make any violent changes, as we have gone to considerable effort to 
 
 34 
 
' " Ko^fvj I Breeders AssociATio 
 
 establish our trade in liigh grade seed and in the long run we expect it 
 will pay, yet it can readily be seen that there is little incentive for the 
 average grower to save good seed without an assured market, to say noth- 
 ing about the time and care that is required to select and develop the 
 seed, in fact, with the work of marketing this crop, the ordinary grower 
 cannot afford to save good seed, and tliis accounts in a large measure, 
 for there being so little really first class seed on the open market. 
 
 Our efforts to establish a dependable source for reliable cantaloupe 
 seed seem to be appreciated by the great majority of growers. 
 
 Most of our customers have been prompt in their remittances and 
 business like in their dealings, but a few slow and uncollected accounts 
 can easily overbalance any advantage in saving high grade seed; therefore, 
 TO MAKE IT WORTH WHILE TO SAVE GOOD SEED WE MUST INSIST 
 ON A MORE STRICT POLICY IN SENDING OUT OUR SEED, AND 
 HEREAFTER WE WILL FILL ONLY ORDERS THAT ARE ACCOMPA- 
 NIED WITH THE REMITTANCE, OR THAT ARE ORDERED WITH THE 
 ENDORSEMENT OF A BANK. WE WILL SEND SEED C. O. D. IF TEN 
 PER CENT OF THE AMOUNT IS SENT IN ADVANCE. We will also 
 book orders, and reserve the seed to such time that the customer can make 
 his remittance, thus assuring him of his seed. 
 
 All our seed is accompanied by the following certificate which as- 
 sures the purchaser of the breeding back of the seed, if he receives the 
 package with the seal unbroken: 
 
 Seed Certificate 
 
 OF 
 
 The Rocky Ford Cantaloupe Seed Breeders' Association 
 
 Rocky Ford, Colorado 
 
 Cantaloupe Seed accompanied by this Certificate, signed and sealed, 
 with the package unbroken, is guaranteed to have been produced by this 
 Association, in accordance with the most approved method of seed breed- 
 ing. SEED FROM THIS ASSOCIATION IS SOLD ONLY WITH THIS 
 CERTIFICATE, AND EACH SACK OF SEED IS SEALED WITH A 
 LEAD CAR SEAL, (except when sent in the mail). The purchaser is here- 
 by assured of first grade selection, of a pure strain of cantaloupe seed of the 
 
 Variety. No 
 
 This seed has been grown from pedigreed stock seed, and selected 
 from a field grown exclusively for seed, and the requirements for this 
 grade of selection were, standard size, close netting, fully matured; and 
 having no defects that could injure the results of the crop to be grown 
 from this seed. This seed was all cut by hand, and washed in a sluice 
 box, which floats off all light, immature seed of low specific gravity, thus 
 insuring the highest germination possible. 
 
 This certificate is intended as a Pure Seed Label to identify our seed. 
 and it shall not be construed as a crop insurance, as poor results might be 
 due to any number of adverse influences, over which we have no control. 
 
 We do, however, guarantee that the seed is as represented, but that 
 this guarantee shall cover only the cost of the seed to the purchaser, when 
 a reasonable ground for complaint is established. 
 
 In testimony whereof, the seal of this Association is hereby affixed this 
 
 19 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 35 
 
NOV 25 m^ 
 
 (^ l<u,'-f^M Breeders AssociATK 
 
 Price Quotations and Other Information 
 
 We offer the following strains of cantaloupe seed at retail, prepaid, 
 to any part of the United States: 
 
 Rust-Resistant Pollock, green fleshed 15 cents per oz.; $1.50 per lb. 
 
 Rust-Resistant Pollock No. 25, salmon tint. . . 15 cents per oz.; $1.50 per lb. 
 
 Ryan's Early Watters 15 cents per oz.; $1.50 per lb. 
 
 Early Rust-Resistant Hybrid No. 2 15 cents per oz.; $1.50 per lb. 
 
 In ordering seed, please reineniber reniittaiice must accompany order. 
 
 We will hold orders for a reasonable time for shipment or will send 
 seed C. O. D. when 10 per cent of the purchase price is sent with the order. 
 
 We are sometimes asked to make lower quotations to meet the price 
 of other firms, but we will not attempt to meet prices of other concerns. 
 The prices we ask for seed are reasonable, if the quality we furnish is 
 considered, for two reasons; first, because the seed is saved from fields 
 grown exclusively for seed, where no cantaloupes are marketed, and sec- 
 ond, because the market price of the grade of cantaloupes the seed is 
 saved from, is nearly equal to the price we ask for the seed, to say nothing 
 of the time and experience the seed breeding requires. A high grade article 
 can not be sold with profit in competition with cheap grade articles. 
 
 Owing to the existence of several cantaloupe growers' associations 
 being organized here at Rocky Ford, mail intended for the Cantaloupe 
 Seed Breeders' Association should be addressed to James B. Ryan, Secre- 
 tary, Rocky Ford, Colorado, to avoid delays. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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