riety. Very
productive and excellent.

Its remarkably firm and crispy flesh, and the absence of seeds, render
it serviceable for the table after it has reached a very considerable
size. For the same reasons, it may be pickled at a stage of its growth
when other more seedy and pulpy sorts would be comparatively worthless.

SHORT PRICKLY.

Short Green Prickly. Early Short Green Prickly.

This variety somewhat resembles the Long Prickly; but it is shorter, and
proportionally thicker. Its length, when suitable for use, is about four
inches. Skin prickly, green, changing to yellow at maturity; flesh
transparent greenish-white, rather seedy, but tender, crisp, and fine
flavored.

The variety is very hardy and productive, comes early into fruit, and is
one of the best for pickling. It is a few days later than the Early
Cluster.

UNDERWOOD'S SHORT PRICKLY.

This is an improved variety of the common Short Prickly, and is the best
of all the sorts for extensive cultivation for pickling. The plant is
hardy and productive. The fruit, when young, is very symmetrical, and of
a fine deep-green color. Its flesh is characterized by extraordinary
crispness and solidity. When more advanced, the color becomes paler, and
the flesh more soft and seedy. The fruit, at maturity, is yellow.

WHITE SPANISH.

The form of this variety is similar to that of the White-spined. The
fruit measures about five inches in length, two inches in diameter, and
is generally somewhat ribbed. When suitable for use, the skin is white;
a characteristic by which the variety is readily distinguished from all
others. The flesh is crisp, tender, and well flavored. At maturity, the
fruit is yellow.

WHITE-SPINED.

Early White-spined. New-York Market.

This very distinct variety is extensively grown for marketing, both at
the North and South. The plants grow from six to ten feet in length;
and, like those of the Early Frame, are of a healthy, luxurious habit.
The fruit is of full medium size, straight, and well formed; about six
inches in length, and two inches and a half in diameter. Skin
deep-green; prickles white; flesh white, tender, crispy, and of
remarkably fine flavor. As the fruit ripens, the skin gradually becomes
paler; and, when fully ripe, is nearly white: by which peculiarity, in
connection with its white spines, the variety is always readily
distinguishable.

The White-spined is one of the best sorts for the table; and is greatly