58 THE SEED-GROWER. 
after for onion, under its heading; as they will apply 
for leek. 
Market.—Seed is handled largely by all seedsmen; 
the most of it used here is at present imported from 
Europe; what is produced in this country, which is of 
fine quality, is grown in Central California. Excellent. 
seed can be produced in any part of the Northern and 
Western States. Yield of seed in a favorable season 
runs from 500 to 600 pounds per acre; prices paid to 
growers rule from twenty-five to thirty cents per pound. 
LETTUCE. 
This quick-growing annual delights in a cool atmos- 
phere and an open, loose soil. 
In the Eastern United States, seed for a seed-crop is 
sown in northern latitudes early in April; in California, 
in February or March. The practice is in rows twenty 
inches apart, thinning the plants to fifteen inches apart, 
or at a distance to allow for their complete development. 
Transplanting is only done for stock-seed, not for a 
commercial crop. 
Like all other crops, lettuce responds to careful culti- 
vation. When plants are in head, or are otherwise far 
enough advanced to determine the character of the 
variety, pull up all which show the slightest impurity 
and shoot too quickly to seed before they have headed 
or hearted preperly; and in case of a heading variety, 
throw out all which do not head well. 
Ripening of seed heads is indicated by their swelling 
and turning yellow. Cut the stalks by hand as they 
ripen, and lay upon cloths, and if the weather be clear 
and dry leave exposed to the sun and air to become 
thoroughly dry before threshing. It is a crop that 
must be handled carefully. 
