184 VEGETABLE GARDENING 



market value depends on the blanched condition of the 

 stem ; and for the same reason in hoeing the soil is drawn up 

 over the stem. They transplant very 

 easily when the soil is moist, but 

 should have the tops trimmed off as 

 recommended in transplanting onions. 

 If they are not transplanted, especial 

 care should be taken to draw the soil 

 towards the plants in hoeing. They 

 may be stored in the same manner as 

 celery, and are marketed in bunches 

 the same as green onions. 



Varieties. There are several va- 



Fig. 71. Leek. ... i L r j i 



neties, which vary in form and color. 



Large Flag leek is a popular sort and is, perhaps, more 

 largely grown than any other. 



Scotch Flag or Musselburgh leek is longer than the 

 Large Flag but not quite as thick. 



CHIVES (Allium schoenoprasum) 



Description. Native of Europe. A perennial. A 

 hardy plant growing in thick tufts. Bulbs are oval, 

 scarcely as large as a hazelnut, forming compact masses; 

 leaves very numerous, grass-like in appearance, and hollow. 

 Flower stems are in terminal clusters of violet-red flowers 

 and are usually barren. The tops have an onion-like flavor 

 and are used in seasoning. 



Culture. Chives are propagated by dividing the 

 tufts. They are not much used and are generally grown as 

 edgings for beds in the garden, for which purpose they are 

 a pretty ornamental. It is of the easiest culture. 



