Z>. M. FERRY & CO'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 35 



LEEK, 



Fr., Poireau. Ger., Lauch. 

 This is a branch of the onion family, is very hardy, 

 and by some is pre- 

 ferred to*the onion. 



Culture. — Dig 

 trenches eight inches 

 deep, and make the 

 soil at the bottom fine 

 and rich (it can scarce- 

 ly be made too rich). 

 Sow the seed early in 

 the spring, and cover 

 lightly with earth. 

 Thin to six inches 

 apart, and when the 

 plants are twelve 

 inches high, gather 

 the leaves together 

 and fill the trench so 

 as to blanch the lower 

 part of the plant. Dig 

 and store in the cellar, 

 or out of doors, like 

 celery, before severe 

 weather. 



Leek. London Flagy- 



ls the variety more cultivated in this country than any 

 other. It is hardy and of good quality. 



LETTUCE, 



Fr., Laitue. Ger., Lattich-salat. 

 There is no vegetable which is more universally used 

 than this, and yet few people know how inviting and 

 appetizing it is when brought to the table fresh and 

 unwilted, a condition in which it is rarely, if ever, found 

 in our markets, and which can only be secured by grow- 

 ing the plants in one' s own garden. So we earnestly 

 urge all of our readers who can possibly do so, to grow 

 their own lettuce. 



Culture. — The quality of lettuce depends largely 

 upon rapid and vigorous growth, and to secure this we 

 need very rich, mellozu soil, frequent surface cultiva- 

 tion, and an abundant supply of water. For the earliest 

 crop, sow under glass in March, and thin out the plants 

 so as to prevent their becoming crowded. If it is 

 intended to mature the plants under glass, keep the bed 

 quite close, giving frequent and abundant watering with 

 liquid manure, and shade during very sunny days ; if 

 the plants are to be set in the open ground, give all the 

 air possible without freezing the plant, and "harden 

 off" by full exposure and withdrawal of water before 

 transplanting. The plants should be set out as soon as 

 a warm spot can be made very rich and mellow. At 

 the time the plants are set out, sow seed in drills four- 

 teen inchesapart,and 

 thin out as wanted 

 for the table until 

 they stand eighteen 

 inches apart. Give 

 frequent hoeings, 

 and if possible, water 

 during any dry time. 

 Early Tennis Ball Bl-k Seeded. The Cos varieties 

 should be tied up seven to ten days before using, in 

 order to blanch the inner leaves. 



During the past five years we have had under cultiva- 

 tion and critical comparison hundreds of European and 

 American varieties, including Oak-leaved, Perpetual, 

 New York, Deacon, Satisfaction, etc., etc., and as a 



result present the following list as including the best of 

 every valuable type. 



Early Tennis Ball (black seeded). — Where a thick 

 and dark leaved head lettuce for forcing is desired this 

 is the best for culture under glass, but it must have a 

 low temperature and plenty of air. Plant small, very 

 hardy, forming when well grown a compact round head, 

 but if planted so as to mature during warm weather, it 

 forms a loose and open head, or none at all, and runs 

 quickly to seed. Leaves thick, crisp and tender, and 

 blanch easily and finely. 



Hubbard's Market.— A white seeded variety, very 

 similar to the Black Seeded Tennis Ball. It is not quite 

 so early to mature, but forms a little larger and more open 

 head. Very popular in Boston and other eastern 

 markets. 



Black Seeded Simpson. 



Black Seeded Simpson. — For those who like a 

 large, thin, exceedingly tender leaf, and for those mar- 

 kets which demand a large, loose head, this is the best 

 variety either for forcing or early sowing out of doors. 

 Plant large, forming a large, loose head; very light yel- 

 lowish-green in color, so that a little wilting is not 

 noticed. Leaves very large, thin, slightly ruffled and 

 blistered, the inner ones nicely blanched, and even the 

 large outside leaves are tender and of good quality. By 

 far the most popular variety in Detroit markets, and one 

 of the best for general market garden use, as it is very 

 attractive, of excellent quality, and continues a long 

 time in condition for use. 



Simpson's Early Curled. — Similar to the last, but 

 the plant is a little smaller and decidedly darker in color 

 and the leaves are more frilled and blistered. Popular 

 in New York markets. 



Early Curled Silesia. — Although this does not come 

 to maturity any sooner than many others, the young 

 plants when sown out of doors can be cut as bunch let- 

 tuce the earliest of any, and the leaves are thin and 

 when full grown the sweetest of any. Plant above 

 medium size, bright green in color, growing very erect, 

 but without forming a distinct head. Leaves much 

 longer than wide, and usually cupped like those of the 

 Cos varieties, frilled at the edge and very sweet and 

 tender. 



Ferry's Early Prize Head.— Careful comparison for 

 several years with scores of varieties of American and for- 

 eign lettuces convinces us that this is by far the best 

 variety for those who like a thin, tender, sweet lettuce; 

 but it is so tender that it is very difficult to market it in 

 good condition, and so has no place in market gardens 

 unless it can be delivered directly to the consumer. 

 Plant large, deep green, so washed with red as often to 



