22 On the Cultivation of Lettuce. 



hold of it at once, and that the plants may make a rapid and 

 luxuriant growth. 



SoiDing the Seed. — To have a regular succession through- 

 out the year, several sowings will be necessary. The first, 

 or spring crop, should be planted from the 15th of February 

 to the 1st of March ; the second, or summer crop, during 

 April ; and successive sowings in June and August. For the 

 last, or winter crop, the 15th to the 30th of September is the 

 proper period. The seeds generally appear the fourth or 

 fifth day, and the first transplanting should take place ten or 

 twelve days subsequent to their appearance. 



Cnltivatioii of the Spring Crop. — Early in February pre- 

 pare a small hot-bed, unless one is already made up for 

 cucumbers, and the seed of the Tennisball, or Royal Cape, 

 may be planted in flower-pots or boxes. It must be borne in 

 mind that only a moderate heat is required for starting the 

 plants from seed. Six inches from the glass is a proper dis- 

 tance for the young plants ; give all the light possible through 

 the day, and air every day that the weather will admit of it; 

 the frame must be well secured from frost, which would de- 

 stroy the plants, and it should be covered every night as long 

 as the cold freezing weather lasts. The plants will require 

 to be twice transplanted — first, from the seed-pots or boxes, 

 about three inches apart, each way, in order to become strong, 

 healthy plants, for their final removal to the beds where they 

 are to remain. This may appear to those persons not already 

 acquainted with the process, to be superfluous ; however, it 

 is the only way to succeed. The final transplanting out 

 into frames should take place as soon as the plants are ready, 

 — if the Tennisball and Royal Cape, or Silesia, about nine 

 inches apart, each way, will be found to be a proper distance. 

 Regular attendance to the watering, giving air every favora- 

 ble opportunity, and covering over the frames every night in 

 season, is all that is necessary to ensure fine early lettuce. 



Cnltivatioii in the open air. — Early in April seeds of the 

 Tennisball should be again sown, and the plants will be ready 

 by the middle of May to transplant. It will be necessary at 

 this season to allow about fifteen inches between the rows, in 

 order to admit tlie Dutch hoe, or scuffle, to advantage, which 

 should be frequently used. The Imperial should succeed the 



