1891.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4. 375 



LETTUCE A^"D CUCUMBER CULTURE 

 UNTDER GLASS. 



From Bulletin No. 2, Crop Report for June, 1800. 



In presenting statistics relative to the culture of lettuce 

 and cucumbers under glass, it should be stated that the 

 facilities for collecting information of this character are not 

 of the best, and consequently the work done is not as com- 

 plete as could be wished, but it is believed that the follow- 

 ing will give an idea of the extent and importance of this 

 branch of agriculture. 



Inquiries were extended to the culture in regular green- 

 houses, sash-houses and hot-bed sash, which latter are usu- 

 ally six feet by three in size. It was found that the culture 

 varied with the locality and with different individuals in the 

 same locality, and that the price received for the products 

 varied with the quality, season of the year, state of the 

 market, and the favorableness of the season to out-door 

 culture. 



Lettuce is generally considered a hard crop to grow, and 

 it requires much care. It does best on new soil and in new 

 houses. After growing lettuce for several years, it is found 

 advisable to discontinue its culture for two or three seasons. 

 Lettuce is affected by mildew, especially in old houses, in 

 sash-houses and under sash. It is sometimes overcome by 

 putting sulphur on the heating pipes, and allowing the fumes 

 to pervade the house ; sometimes by allowing the tempera- 

 ture in the house to fall to 32° F., and remain so over night ; 

 sometimes by steaming the house, and then thoroughly air- 

 ing it ; and sometimes the lower leaves of the plants are 

 picked off, and the rest allowed to head. Tobacco smoke 

 is generally used to destroy lice on lettuce, and sometimes 



