148 FRENCH MARKET-GARDENING 



fine sifted sandy mould about an inch thick is then 

 spread over the soil, and the young plants are pricked 

 out with the finger about 2J- to 3 in. apart, after 

 which they are gently watered, and kept " close/' 

 i.e. without air, for a few days until growth re- 

 commences. 



Of course the little plants are carefully raised from 

 the seed-bed so that as little injury as possible is done 

 to the tender rootlets. 



Shading. Whether the young plants are under 

 cloches or under lights, it is advisable during the first 

 few days to shade them from strong sunshine. Once 

 they have recovered a little air may be given to keep 

 them sturdy. On the approach of early frosts the 

 lights and cloches must be covered with mats during 

 the night, and dry leaves and litter must be placed 

 round the cloches. 



First Crop of " Crepe " Lettuces. About the middle 

 of October, or even earlier, the Lettuces that have 

 been pricked out under cloches or in frames in the 

 way described above will be ready for transplanting 

 to their final quarters. Beds about 4^ ft. wide are 

 prepared by digging and levelling, but there is no 

 need to use raised beds or " ados " at this period. 

 Old beds from which other crops have been gathered 

 are often used for this purpose, and as the plants 

 require but little heat, the old manure and soil is simply 

 turned over and made up afresh. 



When cloches are used, three rows as usual are 

 arranged, and under each one four plants of these 

 " Crepe " Lettuces are planted. In frames about 49 (in 

 rows 7 by 7) or 56 (in rows 8 by 7) plants are placed 

 under each light. 



