198 SALADS 



grown sturdily, and must experience no check ; venti- 

 late carefully according to the state of the weather, and 

 so long as there is any likelihood of frost cover the 

 frame every night with mats. 



The variety selected will depend upon whether the 

 cultivator prefers a Cabbage or Cos Lettuce ; the former 

 turns in and is ready for use more quickly than the 

 latter. An excellent Cabbage Lettuce for the early 

 sowing is Golden Queen, a sort that is rather under 

 medium size with smooth green leaves. It forms 

 solid, crisp and tender hearts. 



Plants from the early sowing, after being well 

 hardened off, may be planted out on a south border, 

 placing them about eight inches apart. Instead of 

 putting them out in this manner they may be dibbled 

 in a rather rich and light soil in a warm frame, about 

 seven inches from each other. Grown thus Lettuces 

 of the most delicious flavour and finest texture are 

 obtained. Should cold cutting winds prevail after 

 placing the young plants outside, as above mentioned, 

 and in early spring they frequently do, temporary pro- 

 tection, furnished by means of mats or branches of 

 laurel one foot or two feet long, must be given. Place 

 these branches in the ground between the plants all 

 over the bed, and there let them remain until the 

 Lettuces are established. 



If a Cos variety is required Veitch's Superb White, a 

 selection from Paris White, is excellent. Growing as 

 it does larger than Golden Queen, this variety must be 

 placed at least two inches further apart when planted out. 



