ALLIACEOUS PLANTS. 293 



are propagated by slips, or by dividing the roots in the 

 spring or autumn. 



When the leaves are gathered for use, if they are 

 cut close, others will shoot up in succession, and in this 

 manner a bed lasts three or four years ; after which 

 period it must be renewed. When fresh cut, these 

 leaves are by some persons considered as an im- 

 provement to salads and seasonings. Their flavour 

 suffers greatly if they be kept after gathering even 

 for a very short time, and their produce is but small 

 in proportion to the labour of gathering. On these 

 accounts they are not much cultivated in places where 

 vegetables are supplied in the markets ; and they sel- 

 dom find a place in the garden of the English peasant, 

 who, partly from ignorance, and partly from pre- 

 judice, does not live much upon those soups and 

 savoury dishes which, while they are more wholesome 

 and nourishing than the food which he consumes, are 

 also considerably cheaper. 



The LEEK Allium porrum. is said to be in- 

 digenous to Switzerland, whence it was introduced 

 into this country ; but it has been for so many ages 

 under cultivation, that its native place cannot, perhaps, 

 be very accurately traced. According to translators 

 and commentators, this, as well as the onion and 

 garlic, was included among the Egyptian luxuries 

 after which the Israelites pined. It still makes its 

 constant appearance at the tables of the Egyptians, 

 who eat it chopped small as a savoury accompaniment 

 to meat. 



The exact period when the leek was first brought 

 into this country is not known, but it is mentioned by 

 Tusser, in his ' Five Hundred Points of Good Hus- 

 bandry, as early as 1562. There is, however, every 

 reason for believing that it was introduced prior to 

 that time, and had long been the favourite badge of 

 the Welsh principality. Shakspeare makes this to have 



VOL. xv. 25* 



