USING FLORIDA ENVIRONMENT IN TEACHING 29

 and recreational facilities make this one of the South's
 outstanding state parks.
(6) 4-V. Watermelons
 Plants have to be adapted to their environment in order
 to survive. For instance, watermelons can be grown
 commercially in nearly every county in Florida. The
 planting date has to be varied in different sections,
 which means that the melons are not all ready for mar-
 ket at the same time. Many varieties of watermelon
 are grown in the state. The shipping season extends
 from May to August.
 Watermelons are grown best on sandy soil that is well
 drained yet retains sufficient moisture to insure
 growth. As a rule they are not grown on the same
 land year after year. Rotation should be planned so
 that watermelons will not be grown on the same land
 more often than once in seven years.
 The most common varieties grown in Florida are
 Cannon Ball and Garrison. They make melons of good
 size and appearance and stand shipping to market better
 than other varieties.
(7) 4-VI. Brahman Cattle
 Pupils in the central part of the state will be particu-
 larly interested in Brahman cattle, which are becoming
 commonplace. Here is an example of improvement in
 domesticated animals. In an interview with local cattle-
 men or the county agent such information as the fol-
 lowing can be obtained:
 1. In what ways are Brahman cattle adapted to Flor-
 ida Climate? (Their ability to withstand drought
 and heat-sweat glands).
 2. Why are Braham cattle used so extensively to im-
 prove Florida's range scrub cattle? (Usually abil-
 ity to transmit their characteristics to any breed of
 cattle).
 3. How are pastures being improved to care for Brah-
 mans? (New grasses, drainage, chopping).
 4. What pests bother the cattle? (Screw worms, ticks,
 flies).
 5. What kind of beef does the Brahman produce?
 Further information regarding the Brahman cattle may
 be secured from "The Florida Cattleman", "The Brah-
 ma Breeder-Feeder", and from "Beef Cattle in Flor-