118 ALLIACEOUS PLANTS. 



as required for the table. For winter use, they should be 

 preserved in earth or sand. 



Early leeks may be obtained by sowing the seeds in a hot- 

 bed in February or March, and transplanting to the open 

 ground in June or July. 



Seed. To obtain seed, some of the finest plants of the 

 growth of the previous year should be set out in April, fifteen 

 inches apart, and the stems sunk to the depth of three or four 

 inches. 



The flower-stem, which, as before described, is often four 

 feet high, should be supported by stakes, as is practised 

 with the onion, to prevent injury from wind. The seeds 

 ripen in September, and are said to retain their vitality best 

 if left in the heads, which should be exposed in a dry, airy 

 situation. 



Use. The whole plant has the flavor and general prop- 

 erties of the onion ; but the lower or blanched portion is the 

 part generally eaten, and this is used in soups, or boiled and 

 served as asparagus. 



Varieties. 



Common The stem, or blanched portion, of this variety 



LONG FLAG. is about six inches in depth, and an inch in diam- 

 eter. The leaves are put forth in opposite directions, are 

 comparatively erect, and of a glaucous-green color. 



The variety is remarkably hardy, and well suited for open 

 culture. 



Large Rouen. Leaves very dark green, broad, and of thick 



Thomp* 



substance ; stem rather short, but remarkably 

 thick, sometimes measuring nearly four inches in diameter. 

 It is now the variety most cultivated near Paris ; and, since 

 its general dissemination, has been much approved by all 

 who have grown it. It is found to be the best kind for for- 



