86 The Profitable Culture of Vegetables. 



earliest batches, which are used for setting out in warm and 

 cold frames after cabbage lettuce and on the cloche bed after 

 the first batch of cos lettuce, a quick-heading compact variety 

 should be selected, the large kinds not only taking longer to 

 mature but for the earliest supplies are not appreciated on the 

 market so much as the medium-sized ones. Another batch of 

 a larger heading variety is sown at the beginning of October 

 and pricked off in November ; these plants are set out in the 

 open-air beds the following spring. After the seed is sown, 

 and at frequent intervals during the first three weeks, the 

 seed bed is watered lightly to encourage even germination and 

 strong growth, as well as to keep off the " fly." 



Early in October the first lot of plants will be ready to prick 

 out into their winter quarters. For this purpose a bed must 

 be got ready to take as many frames as may be necessary to 

 hold the required number of plants at Sin. apart. Rake the 

 soil down and place the frames on it square and level. Inside 

 them put moist compost, Sin. deep ; level this with a fine rake, 

 remove the lumps, and then press with the firming board, after 

 which prick out the plants. If the compost is moist, as it should 

 be, no watering will be necessary, but if dry, water lightly to 

 give the plants a start. When they have got root-hold they 

 will require no more water all through the winter; in fact, the 

 grower must strive by all the means in his power to prevent 

 unduly moist conditions, as damp is more harmful than cold, 

 and must be carefully guarded against. 



As soon as the plants are pricked out put the lights on the 

 frame to keep off rain, but give all the air possible by resting 

 the lights at each corner on flower pots. When very cold or 

 rough weather sets in, close the lights, and if severe frost 

 threatens cover with mats. Do not coddle the plants; grow 

 them as hardy as possible, but avoid freezing. Give plenty 

 of air whenever the weather will permit, and keep rain out 

 of the frame by opening the light on the side opposite to that 

 from which the wind blows. 



Should the season be mild and the plants inclined to grow 

 too freely they must be lifted and transplanted to give them a 

 slight check ; if this is done set them a little further apart, so 

 that there will be no overcrowding. 



