64 buist's family kitchen gardener. 



out severe frost, and they can be lifted as required. The frost 

 does not injure the tubers. 



LEEK. 



Al'lium Porrum — Porreau^ Fr. — Lauch^ Ger. 



This is a branch of the Onion family, a native of the north 

 of Europe ; is very hardy, and from its mild qualities is prefer- 

 red by many families to the Onion. History records it as having 

 been cultivated many hundred years. The Welsh indulge in 

 Leeks on their patron St. David's day, in commemoration of a 

 victory which they obtained over the Saxons, which they at- 

 tribute to the Leeks they wore by order of St. David, to distin- 

 guish them in battle. There are two varieties, the 



London Lech^ so called from the preference given to it in the 

 London market. It is a strong growing variety, with the 

 leaves all round alike. 



The Scotch^ or Flag. — So denominated from the preference 

 given to it in the Edinburgh market, and also from the leaves 

 being on two sides of the plant only, flag-like. They are both 

 equally good, and either of the sorts is sufficient for a family. 



Culture. — There is no part of the garden too rich for Leeks. 

 They require the best ground, well worked and manured the 

 full depth of the spade. Sow the seed thinly on a small bed of 

 light, rich ground, in drills six inches apart, and half an inch 

 deep ; rake it evenly, and give it a beat with the back of the 

 spade. When they come up, they should stand an inch apart ; 

 if thicker, thin them out. When grown to about eight inches 

 high, they will be of sufficient size to plant out. — As we have 

 remarked, choose the best ground, draw thereon drills a foot 

 apart, and as deep as the hoe will go. When ready, the plants 

 are to be taken up from the seed-bed. Shorten their roots to 

 about an inch from the plant, and cut two inches or more from 



