228 LEEK. 



able. If sown too early it becomes strong in flavor and woody, 

 but if sown about the middle of June, in rows eighteen inches 

 apart, and thinned out so as to stand about eight inches apart 

 in the rows, they will form after the midsummer heat has begun 

 to wane, and be more likely to be tender, especially should the 

 season be showery. The bulb is the part which is used, which 

 is boiled, and treated in the same manner as the turnip. 



The White and Purple are the sorts grown for table use, and 

 are more likely to be tender and palatable when about three 

 inches in diameter, than if allowed to become larger. 



LEEK. 



A very hardy plant, and of easy cultivation, flourishing in 

 any mellow soil that is abundantly supplied with manure, and 

 capable of enduring twenty degrees of frost without injury. 

 The seed, which must not be more than two years old, should 

 be sown in a well-prepared seed bed, in drdls about eight inches 

 apart, as early in April as convenient, and the bed kept clean 

 and friable. In July, ground that has been occupied by early 

 Peas may be ploughed and harrowed, and the plants set out in 

 rows a foot apart and six inches apart in the row, planting them 

 rather deeply in the soil. Or the seed may be sown where the 

 plants are to remain, if preferred, by making little trenches some 

 six inches in depth, and sowing the seed in the bottom of these 

 trenches, covering it not more than half ah inch deep, and as the 

 plants grow, gradually filling up the trenches with soil, which 

 serves to blanch the bulbs, and make them of a milder flavor. 



The bulb is the part used, sometimes in soups and stews, and 

 sometimes boded alone and served with melted butter. They 

 are fit for use in October, and can be preserved in earth in the 

 cellar for winter. 



London Flag. — This is the sort most commonly grown, and 

 is about an inch and a quarter in diameter. 



Musselburg. — Does not differ materially from the preceding, 

 though perhaps is usually a little larger. 



