BURPEE’S HARD-HEAD.--This is the fastest growing and the best
heading kind that I have ever grown. With this variety the ordinary
gardener is able to grow as fine, large, solid heads as those grown
by the professional market gardener. In shape it very much resembles
a cabbage, as even the outer leaves tend to curl in over the head,
instead of spreading outward, as in most lettuces. In appearance it is
quite novel and striking, the edges of the leaves being tinged with a
deep brownish-red, while in the centre of its hard heads the leaves
are blanched to a beautiful creamy white. In quality it is remarkably
tender, rich, juicy, and never bitter.
[Illustration: BURPEE’S HARD-HEAD LETTUCE.]
[Illustration: BURPEE’S TOMHANNOCK LETTUCE.]
BURPEE’S TOMHANNOCK.--This is the finest of all the cutting lettuces,
as it is of large size, handsome appearance, and the very choicest
quality. It grows very quickly, is soon ready to cut, and stands a
long time without running to seed, retaining throughout the season its
delicate and delicious flavor. The growth is erect; a fully developed
plant is ten to twelve inches in height, and nearly as great in
diameter across the top; the outer edges of the leaves curl outward.
The outer leaves are shaded with reddish-brown, while the inner leaves
are almost white. It is entirely free from any bitter taste throughout
the entire summer.
STONEHEAD GOLDEN YELLOW.--This is a new variety, which makes very solid
heads, of handsome appearance and the finest quality. Its earliness,
large, tight heads and superior quality render it one of the best kinds
for forwarding under glass.
[Illustration: GOLDEN STONEHEAD LETTUCE.]
BURPEE’S SILVER BALL.--This, next to the Hard Head, is the best heading
variety for general purposes, and where the brown markings in the
latter kind are an objection, the gardener will find in this kind all
the good qualities that go to make a desirable lettuce. It produces a
beautiful head, very firm and solid, with handsomely curled leaves.
The head is of a silvery white color, very rich and buttery in flavor,
and stands for some time before running to seed. Other excellent
varieties of cabbage lettuces are _Philadelphia White Cabbage_, _The
Hanson_ and _The Deacon_, while _The Tennis Ball_ is a great favorite
with market gardeners for forcing.
[Illustration: BURPEE’S SILVER BALL LETTUCE.]