I believe this refers to the citron melon [a variety of watermelon]. I believe some S.Jersey folks would raise them just for the rind that would be pickeled or candied for fruitcake. ----- Original Message ----- From: "John A. Kinley" <jakinley@worldnet.att.net> To: <NJBURLIN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2001 12:20 PM Subject: [NJBurlin] Citrons...a NJ crop? > I am transcribing a 1896 diary of a Burlington County > relative...a farmer. In August he says he picked "a basket > of citrons...not too many fit to eat." > > I believe these may be watermelons which I've heard called > "citron melons." Does this sound reasonable? I can't believe > he referred to lemons or other citrus fruit in NJ. > > Thanks > > John Kinley > Aurora, OH >