in the winter months. The seed is sown
rather thinly, broadcast, in a hot-bed; and, when the plants have made
two or three leaves, they are pricked out to three or four inches apart
in another portion of the bed,--thus affording them more space for
growth, and opportunity to acquire strength and hardiness. When two or
three inches high, they are finally transplanted into yet another part
of the bed, at distances corresponding with the size of the variety,
varying from ten to fourteen inches in each direction. As the plants
increase in size, the quantity of air should be increased; and water
should be given, whenever the surface of the bed becomes dry. In severe
cold or in cloudy weather, and almost always at night, straw matting
(made thick and heavy for the purpose), woollen carpeting, or a similar
substitute, should be extended over the glass, for the retention of
heat.

Some practise transplanting directly from the nursery-bed to where the
plants are to remain; but the finest Lettuce is generally obtained by
the treatment above described.

"Lettuces are sometimes required for cutting young, or when about two
inches high. These are termed, by the French, _Laitues a couper_. The
small, early sorts (such as the Hardy Hammersmith and Black-seeded
Gotte) are preferred for this purpose; but any sort that is green or
pale-green, and not brown or otherwise colored, will do. They should be
sown in the open ground about once a week, or every ten days, from
April, throughout the season. In winter, they are best raised on heat.
They should be sown rather thickly in drills six inches
apart."--_Thomp._

_To save Seed._--"This should be done from plants raised from early
sowings. The finest specimens should be selected; avoiding, however,
those that show a disposition to run quickly to seed. Those that heart
readily, and yet are slow to run up, are to be preferred. Care should be
taken that no two different varieties be allowed to seed near each
other, in order that the sorts may be kept true. The seed which ripens
first on the plant is the best: therefore it should be secured, rather
than wait for the general ripening. The branchlets which first ripen
their seed should be cut of-f, and laid on a cloth in the sun; or, when
the forward portion of the seed is as near maturity as will safely bear
without shaking of-f, the plants should be carefully pulled up, and
placed upright against a south wall, with a cloth under them to perf