THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 271 
Seeds for head-lettuce plants may be sown in the 
garden about the first of April. Sow the seeds in drills 
half an inch deep and six inches apart. After the plants 
are well started, thin so that they will be about two 
inches apart in the row. 
Transplanting. When the plants are from three to four 
inches high, transplant to a permanent place in the gar- 
den in rows one foot apart, placing them from six to 
twelve inches apart in the row, according to the variety. 
If the plants are being grown in the garden, thin 
by using them, and let strong plants continue to grow 
in the seed bed. 
Leaf lettuce. Leaf-lettuce seeds may be sown outside 
in the spring as early as the ground can be worked, for 
this plant will endure considerable frost. Sow in drills 
half an inch deep and six inches apart. Begin using the 
leaves early and thus thin the rows. Sow every two or 
three weeks for a succession. Some of the plants may be 
transplanted ; this will make them come later and do 
away with the necessity of sowing so often. The late 
plants do best if sown where they are to remain. 
Soil. Lettuce requires good ground that has been well 
pulverized and enriched with thoroughly rotted manure. 
Spade or plow to a depth of four or five inches and rake 
the soil fine. 
Culture. Lettuce need not be cultivated deep, but the 
surface mulch must be kept in good condition. After 
every rain go over the land with a garden rake, to 
prevent the formation of a crust. 
