50 worcester county horticultural society. [1891. 



Yentilation. 



It used to be thouglit that considerable outside air should be 

 admitted every clear day, no matter how cold the outside temper- 

 ature. This may be necessary for lettuce in frames on fresh and 

 strong bottom heat. But in the lettuce house it is found better 

 to admit but little air unless the outside temperature is as high as 

 40°. In mild days give plenty of air. 



Watering. 



Lettuce requires a great quantity of water, especially when 

 heading up, and particularly just before it is ready for market. 

 But too much moisture is sure to induce mildew during the short 

 days of early winter when but little ventilation can be given. To 

 apply the water at such time requires nothing less tlian an 

 expert, or the constant presence and oversight of an expert. I 

 never knew a raw hand to put on quite half water enough the 

 first time even after the most careful directions. Nor would he 

 get on sufficient even the second time though sent immediately 

 over the work. But having been twice shown at how little deptli 

 into the soil all the water he has put on, penetrates, in his third 

 attempt he is almost sure to spoil the job by getting on altogether 

 too much. 



The only time that it is safe to break in a raw hand at water- 

 ing lettuce is when the days are sufficiently long and mild to 

 allow a good deal of ventilation. Then place the hose in his 

 hand and a watch in his pocket, and tell him precisely how many 

 minutes to let the water run upon a given number of sash, or a 

 section (space between parts) in your greenhouse. 



When to Water. 



It used to be thought that the best time to water lettuce was 

 in the afternoon, soon after the greatest heat of the sun had passed, 

 say after 2 o'clock. But it is now found that the best time to 

 apply the water is in the forenoon of a sunny day, as the leaves 

 of the plants have more time to dry off, and are less liable to 

 mildew from u possible too high night temperature. 



