Gourd

Gourd (Cucurbita) - There is no order more wonderful in the variety and shape of its fruit than that to which the Melon and Cucumber belong. From the writhing Snake Cucumber, which hangs down 4 or 5 feet long from its stem, to the enormous Giant Pumpkin, their variation in color, shape, and size is marvelous.

Those who have seen a good collection will understand Nathaniel Hawthorne's enthusiasm when he says: " A hundred Gourds in my garden were worthy, in my eyes at least, of being rendered indestructible in marble. If ever Providence (but I know it never will) should assign me a superfluity of gold, part of it should be expended for a service of plate, or most delicate porcelain, to be wrought into the shape of Gourds gathered in my garden."

They may be readily grown in this country, and there are many ways in which they may be grown with great advantage-on low trellises; depending from the edges of raised beds; the smaller and medium-sized trained over arches or arched trellis-work, covering banks, or growing on the level earth. A bold and effective use may now and then be made of them on walls and on the roofs of sheds or outhouses, as the roofs "carry" the large leaves and showy fruit so well.

A Selection Of Gourds

Amongst the most beautiful gourds are the Turks-cap varieties, such as Grand Mogul, Pasha of Egypt, Viceroy, Empress, Bishops Hat, etc.; the Serpent Gourd, Gooseberry Gourd, Hercules Club, Gorilla, St Aignan, M. Fould, Siphon, Half-moon, Giants Punchbowl, and the Mammoth, weighing from 170 lbs. to upwards of 200 lbs.; while amongst the miniature varieties the Fig, Cricket-ball, Thumb, Cherry, Striped Custard, Hens-egg, Pear, Bottle, Orange, Plovers-egg, Pear, Bottle, Orange, Plovers-egg are pretty examples, and useful for ornament.

All these are well suited to our climate. Sowing in a frame at the end of April, and exposing the plants to the air during the day to prevent their being drawn, and then removing the frame altogether to harden them off before planting out, is the best way to secure an early growth. Sowing in the open ground under hand-lights would do, but not so well. Where there are waste heaps of rubbish or manure it is a good plan to cover them with Gourds.

Although they grow under the conditions described above, they do best with plenty of manure, and should be mulched or well watered if the soil be not deep and rich.

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