During- Queen Victoria's Reign. 11 



THE LEEK 



in 1837 was represented in this country by the Common and Flag types, although 

 it is on record that in the previous year four Scotch Leeks were produced 

 in Edinburgh having a circumference of 9 inches or more. A Scotch 

 gardener informs me that although he came to England in 1854, it was several 

 years before he saw Leeks grown here. The Musselburgh was one of the first 

 improved forms ; this was followed by Ayton Castle and Henry's Prize. The 

 greatest triumph, however, is found in the Lyon, and the better selections of 

 this good variety, such as Prizetaker, appear to present as perfect a form of Leek 

 as it is possible to obtain or desire. 



In this connection may be mentioned the excellent work done by the Messrs. 

 Bobbie, who have introduced one or two very fine selections of Leek, as well as of 

 several other Vegetables. 



LETTUCE. 



The number of varieties, both Cos and Cabbage, has wonderfully increased 

 during the past twenty years, and they embrace many types and shades of colour. 



In 1837 several of the varieties of the present day were in use, including amongst 

 the Cabbage varieties, Brown Dutch, Brown and White Silesian, Drumhead, Grand 

 Admiral, Hammersmith, and one or two others ; and in the Cos, White-seeded 

 and Black-seeded Bath, Florence, Green, White, and Spotted. 



By 1842 Paris White and Green were announced, and the various selections of 

 this type are amongst the best Cos Lettuces in use at the present time. More 

 recently a very large kind of great excellence, named by my house Mammoth Cos, 

 has appeared, and is very popular. White Heart, intermediate in colour between 

 Paris White and Green, deserves a place as a popular introduction of recent years. 



With regard to Cabbage Lettuce, the number of varieties now available is extra- 

 ordinary. All the Year Eound was amongst the first improvements, and so good 

 is it that it has been honoured with several distinctive names. Wheeler's Tom 

 Thumb, Veitch's Perfect Gem, Standwell Green, and others, are excellent kinds 

 largely grown, while more recently Commodore Nutt, Favourite, and Daniel's 

 Continuity are improved types of great merit, the two latter standing longer than 

 other sorts without running to seed. 



Recently my house has introduced the Intermediate, a variety resulting from a 

 cross between the Cabbage and Cos Lettuce which is highly prized by many. 



THE MELON 



has advanced during the past sixty years by " leaps and bounds." Every year 

 witnesses the advent of new varieties, and the Fruit Committee of the Royal 

 Horticultural Society can testify to the constant succession of aspirants for honours. 

 In 1837 gardeners depended upon the Cantaloupe, Scarlet-fleshed, Green-fleshed, 

 Lord Sondes, and Queen Anne's Pocket. In 1842, Windsor Prize Green and one or 

 two scarlet-fleshed kinds were distributed. Ten years later Beechwood, Bromham 

 Hall, Victory of Bath, and other standard varieties were grown, followed at short 



