422 



took 40-48 hrs. to come up; but if not sown promptly — in some 

 cases, it was not possible to do so — they took longer even up to 5-7 

 days to germinate. The cause may be sought in weakened vitality 

 which is lost exceedingly early in this hot moist climate. 



When the seedlings were 2-3| ins. high, that was in 7-9 days, 

 they were transplanted into the beds in the afternoon or in cloudy 

 days all the day long, in rows with 9'' between the rows and also 

 9'' between the seedlings. 



A fortnight from transplanting, when the ^seedlings had caken, 

 an emulsion of cowdung, (1 bucket of dung to 8 of water) was 

 poured in between the rows. Fish manure and burnt earth were 

 also used, but the first was found to l>e the most suitable, for it is 

 in a more assimilable form. Tlie growth was rapid after this and 

 the salads were uprooted as follows. 



'Suttons' . . . . . . . . after 41 days. 



Dreer's . . . . . . . . ^3 „ 



Vilmorin's . . . . . . -14 „ 



The weighments showed that the maximum weight was reached 

 10-15 days later; it gradually rose from ^ oz. or 1^ oz, according 

 to the type to 2-3 ozs. when the maximum growth was recorded. 



Weather did not treat the ditferent sowings equally, for there 

 were constant changes in it from dry to wet, wet weather Ijeing 

 unusually j^revalent during the first quarter of the year of 1921. 

 The lettuces in the damper situations grew very well in the dry 

 spells; but in wet periods, those on the sandy loam did better. 

 Artificial shade is essential in the seedling stage for 2-3 weeks in 

 varying degree according to the weather to keep off heavy rams as 

 well as midday intense heat ; shade also prevents too niucli evapor- 

 ation of water from the sandy loam ; while in the case of damp soil, 

 it keeps the air in contact with the plants humid. 



Almost all strains succumbed to 'hard rains but least those 

 which have long leaves — cos type — ^or behaving as cos. In wet 

 periods, most of the lettuces lost much of their foliage. 



Another noticeal)le feature of lettuces, is that, though warrant- 

 ed as Cabbage type, in this forcing climate, they did not behave 

 • as such. Many ran to stem; while a few only form loose and all 

 less compact heads. Cos or behaving as cos, were early ones while 

 the other type was later by a week or so. 



Tlie lettuces were distributed for opinion to many people, and 

 the following were ai)preciated. 



l^uttons'. Ideal, Xonsuch, Early Paris, Golden Ball, and of 

 these there was an unanimous opinion that Ideal and Xonsuch were 

 the best. 



Dreers. Early curled Simpson, Black seeded Simpson, Mam- 

 moth salamander. Big Boston, Improved Hanson, Golden Queen, 

 Wonderful. 



Vilmorin's. (in-en Provence. Unfortunately Vilmorin's let- 

 luces were sunk under flood water on 5/5/21 and therefore were not 

 given full trial. 



