1 lg. watermelon
1 gal. water
1/4 c. pickling lime
1 qt. cider vinegar
8 c. sugar
1 tsp. pickling spice

Select a watermelon that has a thick rind. Remove outer green skin and pink flesh inside. Use only the greenish-white rind. Cut rind into 1-inch cubes.

Combine water and lime; add rind cubes and soak overnight in refrigerator. Drain rind cubes. Rinse in cold water several times, then cover with cold water. Boil 30 minutes and drain.

Combine sugar, vinegar and pickling spice. Pour over rind cubes. Boil slowly until cubes look clear, about 1 hour or longer. Cover cubes with syrup; add water if syrup has "cooked down" or evaporated somewhat. Pack in jars.

Process in boiling water bath for 5 minutes.

Yields: 7 pints.