/>. m. FEiatr t e co's DESCitirrirE 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. 
l_ EEK . London Flag.— 
Is the variety more cultivated in this country than any 
other. It is hardy and of good quality. 
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 , mellow 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 inches apart,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. 
EarlyTennis Ball Bl* k Sceded. 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 comj>act 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 sceded 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 y'ears 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 te 
