102 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



undoubtedly, the finest of the varieties with double white corollas, 

 and the accompanying figure of a bloom from a plant grown in my 

 nursery, shows how much superior it is to other varieties. It should, 

 therefore, be grown in preference to all others in the same class. 



SHORT NOTES ON USEFUL VEGETABLES. 



[HE following notes are continued from page 89. The very 

 short note on the cultivation of the leek appears not 

 to have satisfied some of our readers, so we have treated 

 the subject at greater length. 



The Leek obtains special attention in "Wales and 

 Scotland, but is regarded as a comparatively unimportant vegetable 

 in England. It is a thrifty plant, needing bat little care to insure 

 a useful crop ; but, like many more gcod things, it makes a great 

 return for first-rate treatment. Any good kitchen garden soil will 

 suit it, and where only a few are likely to be wanted for wintsr 

 soups, a row or so may be sown in March or April, and as soon as 

 large enough may be thinned to two inches apart, and be left to 

 their fate, provided, of course, that they are kept clear of weeds, and 

 have a little earth drawn to them occasionally as they advance, so as 

 to cover their necks to a depth of two or throe inches. We have 

 had them extremely crowded, and quite neglected, and yet in winter 

 have supplied the house wiLh plenty, the roots being half-an-inch or 

 more thick, and as good for soups as the handsomest samples. 



To Geow Laege Leeks a little extra care must be taken. 

 Make up a good seed-bed, the soil light and rich, and rather fine on 

 the surface. In February sow in drills, six inches asunder. As 

 soon as they are large enough to draw, thin them to three inches 

 apart, and plant out the thinnings. The ground for these should be 

 well dug and heavily manured, and the plants must be put in rows 

 two feet apart, and nine inches asunder in the rows. They must be 

 planted deep with a dibber, and be closed in carefully, and have a good 

 watering, so as to sufi'er the least possible check ; continue to water 

 twice a week, using weak manure water if convenient, and a week 

 after the planting cut ofl' the tops of the leaves. Continue the 

 watering, and in three weeks cut ofi" the tops of the leaves again. 

 From time to time draw a little earth to them, aa you would to 

 celery, to blanch the neck. The result will be a splendid growth of 

 fat roots, as white and bright as silver, and of the finest quality for 

 any purpose, and especially for stewing in the fine old fashion of the 

 north country. Those left in the seed-bed will make a useful crop 

 for ordinary purposes. 



A Sttccessiok of Leeks may be secured from August to May 

 by sowing in February, March, April, and the first week of May, 

 and transplanting as directed above for the November sowing. 

 They may be left in the ground to be drawn during winter as 

 wanted, but as it is not an easy matter to draw them when the 



