202 



GARDEKIKG FOR PLEASURE. 



may be handy to get at in winter, it is better to put it in 

 trenches, as advised for preserving celery. 



LETTUCE, {Lactuca sativa.) 



Lettuce should be sown in a hot-bed or greenhouse if 

 wanted early ; seeds sown there in February will give nice 

 plants to set out in April, to mature in May, or if it is 

 sown in the open ground in April and planted out in 

 May, it will mature in June, and so on through the 

 summer season if succession crops are desired, as it only 

 takes from five to six weeks to mature. The great excel- 

 lence of lettuce consists in its freshness, and it can rarely 

 be purchased in perfect condition ; hence, those who 

 would enjoy it in its best state should raise it themselves. 



For early use, to be ready in May, the Curled Silesia 

 and Boston Market are the best ; while for summer use, 

 the Curled India and Plain Drumhead should be sown, 

 as they do not readily run to seed. The Cos varieties are 

 mainly used in Europe, and are by far the best flavored ; 

 but from their tendency to run to seed in our warmer 

 climate, are but little cultivated, though they might be 

 safely grown in the cool weather, in spring, or in fall. 

 An ounce of seed of each variety will be ample. 



MARTYNIA, {Martynia prdboscidea,) 



The unripe pods taken when perfectly tender, are used 

 for pickling. They must be gathered every day or two, 

 or some will become hard and useless. Sow in open 

 ground in May, and transplant to two feet each way in 

 June. 



MELON, MUSK, (Cucumis Mclo.) 



The cultivation of the Melon is almost identical with 

 that of the cucumber, to which reference may be made. 



