HOW TO DETECT A RIPE WATERMELON.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2984, 7 September 1878, Page 4

HOW TO DETECT A RIPE WATERMELON.

U F6w, people!; know,,, from, an^ outside inspection; how to? determine the ripeness .and,the^ perfection of a watermelon. Inquiries are' frequently made in the horticultural journals as to the means to be used to arrive at a'reliable rule for settUpgt this Within a few day'sVsays a cdrre'sporide'ntof the Country Grentleman, I have seen directions given Lt6 reach'a correct conclusion on the subject, by pressing the melon and noting 'the manner in which it emits a crackling soundj -under : the - operation.-.,,, .These results,arißy^e^obltainedia tfter''some experience in judging of its peculiarity under pressure. Considering the vast quantities of this delieous fruit consumed at the north, after) shipment from the sections where the vine flourishes, but -where the fruit is always i picked in an immature state in order lto~ Jbear transportation well, it is really a serious matter to be able to know certainly-whenßuying;"a* melbrij-pelchanCe' on the streetjpr,,atf,A, dealer's stand, whether one is "securing~a ripe melon or not. In nine cases out of ten the chance is^that your rn^on isjonly^half frip^and therefore not a great acquisition for your dessert*; ;,.... ;y>.:^;r- K r: r . i;■ :i ■<,-, :,--.?:=■ ■ \ ' Now let.ine'giveyouand your,readers an.„infallible.;'.sigoi ; by which^.to. know a fplly ripened melon. „!Whe,tv the' melon begins to change colour .inside/: and .its seeds to turn black,./a small iblack speck ', scale, or blister, begins to appear on the outer cuticle, or rind. These are multiplied and enlarged as the fruit matures. A ripe melon will show them thickly sown over the surface. A partial development only indicates half ripened fruit. A crop of blisters reveals.its perfect ripeness. iPvThen?ib:undredß>MfrMeldnsPare >strewn alo'rig the sidewalk, ydu will have tplook pretty sharply' to find one 'that exhibits a " ; escutcheon," to borrow, a term from M. Guenoril But $is unfailing when found, and by following' this guide you may walk away with your. melon.'with the most entire confidence/ The blister is only to be/ seen nponr a close inspection, ,but: T is plainly visible when that is given.