e margin,--those of the stalk narrow, pointed, smooth, and
shining; the flowers are white, and are put forth in June; the seed-pods
are globular, but are very rarely formed, the flowers being usually
abortive.

There is but one variety.

_Propagation and Culture._--"Propagation is always effected by planting
portions of the roots, which grow readily. The soil most conducive to it
is a deep, rich, light sand, or alluvial deposit, free from stones or
other obstructions; as, the longer, thicker, and straighter the roots
are, the more they are valued. There is scarcely another culinary
vegetable, of equal importance, in which cultivation is, in general, so
greatly neglected as in this. It is often found planted in some obscure
corner of the garden, where it may have existed for years; and is only
visited when needed for the proprietor's table. The operation of hastily
extracting a root or two is too often all that is thought of; and the
crop is left to fight its way amongst weeds and litter as best it
may."--_M'Int._

A simple method of cultivation is as follows: Trench the ground eighteen
inches or two feet deep, and set the crowns or leading buds of old
roots, cut off about three inches in length, in rows a foot apart, and
nine inches from each other in the rows; cover six inches deep, and
cultivate in the usual manner during the summer. The shoots will soon
make their appearance, and the large leaves of the plant completely
occupy the surface of the bed. After two seasons' growth, the roots will
be fit for use.

_Taking the Crop._--Its season of use is from October till May; and,
whenever the ground is open, the table may be supplied directly from the
garden.

For winter use, take up the requisite quantity of roots in November,
pack them in moist sand or earth, and store in the cellar, or in any
situation out of reach of frost.

_Use._--The root shredded or grated, with the addition of vinegar, is
used as a condiment with meats and fish. It has an agreeable, pungent
flavor; and, besides aiding digestion, possesses other important
healthful properties.

* * * * *

LETTUCE.

Lactuca sativa.

Lettuce is said to be of Asiatic origin. It is a hardy, annual plant,
and, when fully developed, from two to three feet in height, with an
erect, branching stem. The flowers are compound, yellow, usually about
half an inch in diameter; the seeds are oval, flattened, and either
white, brown,