44 



ridges ; distance between the ridges 00 cm. the seedlings being 

 from ^0 30 cm. apart. Baladi requires less space. 



V : Two months after transplanting (Latouca) and from 2 \/'2 3 

 months (Baladi). 



In the case of the Heading 'or Cabbage-lettuces, the plants may 

 be improved by tying, and in this case the operation must be per- 

 formed not more than about 10 days, when the plants are nearly 4/5 

 of their usual si/e, in advance of the day on which it is intended to 

 pull them. 



VII : Lettuce is the king of salad vegetables. It is highly esteemed 

 for its cooling and refreshing properties, It is easy of digestion 

 gently laxative and moderately nutritious. It is considered corre- 

 ctive and antiscorbutic. All the species of lettuce, abound in a 

 milky juice, out of which the so-called Lactucarium. is obtained. This 

 is found to partake in a considerable degree, of the qualities of 

 opium. The seeds are oily and those of Baladi contain about 87 38 / 

 of an edible oil which is extracted (Zeyt Helou) ; it is of a light \cllow 

 colour, clear, sweet and transparent largely consumed by natives 

 and often adulterated with cotton seed oil. The oil-cake is eaten 

 by stock. The leaves of lettuce are often used in culinary pur- 

 poses. 



VIII : Baladi seed is raised in the country. In order to. get 

 good seed the r > >t-stocks ought to be transplanted. 



Lettuce requires a mellow, light, moist, rich soil and a quick and 

 continuous growth must be secured from start to finish. Plenty of 

 f. y. manure and regular watering. 



Lepidium sativum ; Rashad or Harra (the plant); Hab el-rashad 

 (the seed) ; Garden cress ; Cruciferae. 



I : Baladi or plain-leaved ; and Afranghi or curled-leaved. 



The former is the most common the latter being best adapted for 

 garnishing. At the sani' 1 tim* it is in nv substantial. 



II : By seed, which ought to be thickly broadcasted in a well 

 prepare.! seed-bed. 



Ill: Frum beginning of September 1< end of February. 

 V : From one plan! ing many cuttings may be obtained if the 

 plant is carefully treated. However. a* a rule. al'1r the second cutting 



