Chap. XXVIII.] SALADS IN PAKIS. 4S3 



final places hofore the loth of October, plantinf:^ four uiulor each 

 cloche. Thoy supply a great want, coming in in perfect condition 

 towards the middle of winter. 



Sometimes the crop is planted out in the narrow frames common 

 to Paris market-gardens, turning over the old beds before planting. 

 The frames being shallow the plants are near the glass, and as 

 soon as planted the lights are put on, but, instead of giving air 

 by the aid of these lights, the greatest care is taken to keep it out. 

 No matter whether under cloche or frame, the Petite Noire must 

 never get any air. Should severe frost occur, the glasses may be 

 protected with straw mats. It must be observed that when the 

 ])lants are transferred into the places where they are to attain 

 their fullest size they are removed wuth good balls, and with some 

 care to check their growth as little as possible. The plants 

 pricked out in October are ready to cut at the end of November 

 or beginning of December, when this Lettuce begins to come 

 into general use. In addition to the crop put out during the 

 first half of November, another is sown at that season, in the 

 way before described. Should very severe weather render the 

 Lettuces liable to suffer, dry litter is placed between the cloches, 

 and higher up at their north side, so as to prevent the frost from 

 entering the ground, and the contents of the cloches are daily 

 exposed to the light and sun, except when they are frozen, when 

 the covering is kept on or increased. The forced culture in the 

 small narrow frames usually begins about the end of November. 

 At that period a hotbed is prepared, sixteen inches thick, and 

 about 5;")" F. in temperature, spreading on it some of the never- 

 failing, thoroughly-rotten manure, and on it are planted seven 

 lines of Petite Noire. This plantation requires greater care than 

 those placed under the cloche, in consequence of the warmth and 

 humidity ; decaying or spotted leaves have to be picked ofl" when 

 tliey occur, and the plants must -be protected with the mats more 

 than those not excited by heat. The frames are surrounded by 

 fermenting manure, which also fills up the alleys between the 

 little frames to the upper edge of each. 



At the end of January or beginning of February the last forced 

 crop of Petite Noire is planted, under cloches placed on a gentle 

 hotbed a foot deep, and covered with about four inches of the 

 same mould-like manure, the l)ell-glasses as usual being placed 



