SWEET PICKLED WATERMELON RIND

7 lbs. watermelon rind/water 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. alum 2 1/2 lbs. granulated sugar 2 1/2 lbs. light brown sugar 1 qt. vinegar 1 pt. water 6 sticks cinnamon 1 tbsp. cloves 2 lemons, sliced

Pare green from rind and discard. Leave small strip of red on rind. Cut white into strips. Boil until tender and clear in water with 1/2 teaspoon salt and alum. Drain. Chill in ice water; drain and dry. Boil sugar, vinegar, and 1 pint water to a light syrup. Add spices in a cheese cloth bag, melon rind, and lemon slices; boil until clear. Remove spices. Pack rind and syrup to overflowing in sterilized jars. Seal. Let stand 4 weeks before using.