64 VEGETABLE GROWING. 



Blond Blockhead and Black-seeded Simpson are each 

 good head lettuce. (See Figure 5.) There are many 

 other varieties that are claiming attention, but the 

 above will be found reliable. 



MARKETING. 



The solid head varieties do not remain in a market- 

 able condition as long as the Grand Eapids and those of 

 its type ; so if the solid varieties are planted, they will 

 have to be sent forward to the markets when matured. 

 As a whole, the Eastern markets are partial to head 

 lettuce, while the Western markets are more inclined 

 toward loose heads. For local markets, lettuce may 

 be bleached ; any simple contrivance that will shut 

 out the sun will do this. 



For shipping, the crop must be cut when it is dry. 

 Pack in a barrel or open crate. The heads should be 

 packed in firmly but do not crush the leaves. The 

 packing must be so firm that the material in the crate 

 cannot shake. 



RAISING SEED. 



For this purpose the plants should be selected just 

 as for market crop. When the plants are mature, all 

 individuals that are not typical should be removed 

 fiom the field. If any plant contract a disease, it 

 should be removed also. 



About six weeks after marketing time, the plants 

 will have sent up a seed stalk. Place a stake in the 

 ground firmly beside each plant and tie the plant to 

 the stake. This will save many plants from being 

 blown over. 



The ripening of the seed will be indicated by the 

 feathery pappus on the individual heads. As soon as 

 a goodly number of heads are ripe, the whole plant 

 may be cut off and bunched to be hung for drying in 

 the packing-house. As soon as dry, the seed should 

 be threshed, as it is very easily blown away. Clean 

 out all chaff and light seed and pack away from mice 

 and roaches. 



