Letttices. 221 



are pricked out 2in. apart under cloches or in cold frames, in 

 light rich soil, where they remain until planted out perma- 

 nently. They must be grown as hard as possible and be given 

 plenty of air on all suitable occasions, but driving rains must 

 be kept from them by tilting the cloches or lights so that they 

 have their " backs to the wind." In times of severe frost they 

 must be protected by mats. 



The ground where the cold frames are to stand should be 

 well manured and dug at the approach of winter, being left 

 rough for a time so that the weather may mellow it. As soon 

 as the ground is in a fit condition after the beginning of 

 January break the soil down and level it, then set the frames 

 in position and put a barrow load of moist old hot-bed manure 

 under each light. Level this and cover it with a little fine 

 compost, then put on lights and mats and keep all close for a 

 week, at the end of which time there will be a sensible increase 

 of temperature inside the frames ; then plant the Lettuce. The 

 distances apart depend on the variety and whether radishes or 

 carrots are sown at the same time. Either may be sown but 

 not both. Without this intercropping, Cabbage Lettuce can be 

 planted from Gin. apart for the smallest varieties to lOin. apart 

 for the strongest growers, but when radishes or carrots are 

 sown with them they must be given 2in. more space all round. 

 Cos Lettuce can be grown in the same way, but are much more 

 difficult to manage; they need 12in. space each way, should be 

 grown alone, and must have abundance of air; if the atmos- 

 phere in the frame is at all confined when the sun gets hot in 

 March many of them will be sure to bolt, but by constant care 

 in giving ample ventilation this can be prevented. Early Cos 

 of good quality sell for such good prices that any trouble taken 

 over them is amply repaid when they are well done. 



Unless the season is exceptionally dry the Cabbage Lettuce 

 will probably need no watering, the soil below yielding enough 

 moisture, at any rate until growth is nearly completed. Cos 

 Lettuce will probably need watering several times during the 

 latter part of their growth, as they occupy the ground longer. 

 When either of the varieties become almost ready for cutting 

 it is advisable, unless the ground is wanted for other purposes, 

 to set cauliflower plants, 2ft. apart, amongst the Lettuces. 



