Watermelon Rind Preserves - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 lb. watermelon rind (white part only)
5 oz. sack lime (calcium hydroxide if bought from druggist)
2 oz. ground ginger
2 lemons
8 c. sugar
spices (if desired)

Preparation

Dissolve the lime in 2 gallons cold water.
Cut rind into small pieces of uniform shape and size.
Soak overnight in lime water.
Drain and rinse through 2 changes of cold water and soak in clear water for 3 hours.
Add the ginger to 1 gallon water, then add rind and boil 20 minutes.
Add sugar and sliced lemon to 3 quarts fresh water.
Bring to boiling, add rind, and, if desired, add cinnamon, allspice and cloves to taste.
Cook until it is clear and tender.
Pack in clean, hot jars and seal immediately.