112 FAEM-GARDEXING AND SEED-GKOWING. 



adhere to the seed-head, forming a ball of about the 

 same size and weight as the seed, which renders the 

 separation quite troublesome. 



When the seed is thrashed, remove the stems by raking 

 off. There will always be some heads not thrashed ; 

 these must be separated from the seed by ~No. 5 sieve, 

 put into a bag, and again thrashed. 



The whole may be sifted with ISTos. 8, 10, and 14 sieves 

 in succession, each time gathering the chaff from the top, 

 and casting away the litter remaining in the sieve. The 

 work may be assisted by sifting on cloths in the open air, 

 with a gentle breeze stirring to carry away the small 

 chaff; or where large quantities are grown, the fan-mill 

 may be brought in use, but the sieves will in all cases be 

 required to perfect the cleaning. 



Give the final touch with sieve IXo. 24, which will 

 remove the heavy dust or sand, and put away in bags. 



Lettuce-seed will germinate when three years old. 



Varieties. The varieties are numerous, though but 

 few kinds are in general cultivation in this country, and 

 these are quite distinct. 



Early Curled Silesia. This was formerly the leading 

 variety, and the seed is still extensively sold in seed- 

 stores, but with market-gardeners superseded by the 

 " Simpson," which it resembles, though smaller and not 

 as certain to head. 



Simpson's Silesia. An improvement on the " Silesia," 

 originated some years ago by a market-gardener then at 

 Brooklyn, N. Y., whose name the variety still bears. 

 Heads large and full; leaves spreading, clear greenish 

 yellow, curled, crisp, and tender. The main variety for 

 forcing, and the general favorite about New York. 



Wbite-seeded Butter. Heads small, compact, and solid ; 

 lively rich yellow; leaves smooth and close; excellent 

 flavor, unsurpassed for summer culture. 



