58 THE SEED-GROWER. 



after for onion, under its heading; as they will apply 

 for leek. 



Market. Seed is handled largely by all seedsmen; 

 the most of it used here is at present imported from 

 Europe; what is produced in this country, which is of 

 fine quality, is grown in Central California. Excellent 

 seed can be produced in any part of the Northern and 

 Western States. Yield of seed in a favorable season 

 runs from 500 to 600 pounds per acre; prices paid to 

 growers rule from twenty-five to thirty cents per pound. 



LETTUCE. 



This quick-growing annual delights in a cool atmos- 

 phere and an open, loose soil. 



In the Eastern United States, seed for a seed-crop is 

 sown in northern latitudes early in April; in California, 

 in February or March. The practice is in rows twenty 

 inches apart, thinning the plants to fifteen inches apart, 

 or at a distance to allow for their complete development. 

 Transplanting is only done for stock-seed, not for a 

 commercial crop. 



Like all other crops, lettuce responds to careful culti- 

 vation. When plants are in head, or are otherwise far 

 enough advanced to determine the character of the 

 variety, pull up all which show the slightest impurity 

 and shoot too quickly to seed before they have headed 

 or hearted properly; and in case of a heading variety, 

 throw out all which do not head well. 



Ripening of seed heads is indicated by their swelling 

 and turning yellow. Cut the stalks by hand as they 

 ripen, and lay upon cloths, and if the weather be clear 

 and dry leave exposed to the sun and air to become 

 thoroughly dry before threshing. It is a crop that 

 must be handled carefully. 



