Ripe Watermelon Pickles

Pickles

4 quarts red watermelon, diced, seeded

Syrup

5 cups sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ cup cider vinegar
2 slices lemon
1 tbs cracked whole cinnamon
1 tsp whole cloves

Put diced melon in colander and with your hands, squeeze out as much juice as possible. Let drain for 1 hour.

Put melon, sugar, salt, vinegar and lemon in large, heavy kettle. Add spices tied in a cheese cloth bag.

Cook slowly for 50 - 60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Pack at once into hot sterilized jars and seal.