104 Subtropical Vegetable-Gardening 



and climatic conditions, but frequent and light irrigations 

 are much more profitable than heavy ones at infrequent 

 intervals. Over-watering occurs more frequently in sub- 

 irrigation than in over-head irrigation. (See Plate I.) 



Marketing the lettuce. 



The solid head varieties do not remain in a marketable 

 condition as long as the Grand Rapids and those of its 

 type ; therefore, if the solid varieties are planted, they will 

 have to be sent forward to the markets as soon as matured. 

 As a whole, the eastern markets are partial to solid head 

 lettuce, while the western markets are more inclined toward 

 loose heads. For local markets, lettuce may be blanched ; 

 any simple contrivance that will shut out the sun will do 

 this. (See Plates II, III, VII and XIII.) 



For shipping, the crop must be cut when it is dry. It 

 should be packed in a barrel or open crate ; in Florida a 

 standard lettuce hamper is used. The heads must be 

 packed in firmly, but the leaves must not be crushed. 

 The packing must be so firm that the material in the crate 

 cannot shake. (See Plate VII.) 



Lettuce seed raising. 



For raising lettuce seed, the plants should be selected 

 from one variety just as for the market crop. When the 

 plants are matured, all individuals that are not typical 

 should be removed from the field. If any plant contracts 

 disease, it should be removed also. About six weeks 

 after marketing time, the plants will have sent up a seed- 

 stalk. A stake should be placed in the ground firmly 

 beside each plant and the plant tied to the stake. This 



