150 



THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



frames. When the ground is in good condition the 

 first outdoor sowing may be made, as Lettuce is very 

 hardy to frost. Successive sowings may be made weekly 



to fortnightly, or by good 

 management and trans- 

 planting still less often. 

 In the summer 

 many lettuces 

 run quickly to 

 seed, and heat- 

 Fig. 73. Plant of heading Lettuce. resisting varie- 

 ties should be chosen; these may be found in all types 

 of Lettuce. On the other hand, the Cos, although 

 historically a hot -weather Lettuce, now exists in 

 earlier varieties. 



In the handling of Lettuce the varieties must be 

 used according to season, but the culture of all is 

 practically the same. Lettuce transplants well and is 

 much transplanted, except in the fall in the open 

 ground. Heading is largely a matter of variety. 

 Lettuce should be given clean culture, water, and food, 

 and should be properly thinned. Manure is the best 

 fertilizer. Trade varieties are numberless. Pests and 

 diseases are not troublesome. 



Soil. Lettuce will grow in any good garden soil, 

 but best results are to be had with earth that is light, 

 warm and "quick."" Where summers are hot a moister 

 soil is good for the warm-weather kinds. The ground 



