Vegetables with Edible Leaves or Stems 105 



will save many plants from being blown over. The ripen- 

 ing of the seed will be indicated by the feathery pappus on 

 the individual heads. As soon as a good number of heads 

 are ripe, the whole plants may be cut off and bunched, 

 and hung for drying in the packing-house. As soon as dry, 

 the seed should be threshed, as it is very easily blown away. 

 Clean out all chaff and light seed, and pack away from mice 

 and roaches. 



Diseases. 



Lettuce-drop is caused by a fungus which lives in the 

 soil. The plants wilt and drop in a few hours. Small 

 black sclerotia may be seen on the dead plants. The 

 remedy is to use fresh soil for seed-beds, which does not 

 contain the fungus, and to clean out all diseased plants. 

 The bacterial disease of lettuce starts as transparent 

 spots, which spread over the leaves, causing them to die. 

 This disease kills the plants slowly. 



Varieties of lettuce. 



Of the two classes of lettuce, the Cabbage and Cos, the 

 former is regarded as best for tropical countries. Of 

 lettuce varieties grown in Florida for early shipment to 

 northern markets, California Cream Butter perhaps ranks 

 first, Big Boston second, and Black-seeded Simpson third. 

 Other varieties grown are Tennisball Black-seeded, and 

 Mammoth Black-seeded Butter. (See Plate III.) 



The Grand Rapids, an open-headed variety, is preferred 

 by some markets, especially for garnishing purposes. 

 There are many other varieties that are claiming atten- 

 tion, but the above will be found reliable. 



