Cultivation of the Leek. Lettuce 95 



tion is the same as that of the cabbage. White Vienna 

 is the favorite variety. The bulb, when cooked young, 

 resembles in quality the rutabaga turnip. It is little 

 grown in this country and is not in demand except for 

 immigrants from European countries. 



THE LEEK 



The leek is the mildest of the onion family, and for 

 this reason is preferred by some to the onion. Like the 

 garlic, it has flat leaves. The seeds are usually sown in 

 beds and transplanted from these to the open ground. 

 The seed may be sown in fall or early spring. The culti- 

 vation is similar to that of the onion, and the vegetable 

 is intended for use green. The soil is gradually drawn 

 to the stem for the purpose of blanching. The most 

 popular varieties are London Flag, Scotch Flag and 

 Large Rouen. It is little cultivated in southern gardens. 



Every part of the plant is sometimes used in flavoring 

 soups and stews, but the blanched stem and bulb are 

 the best parts. 



LETTUCE 



This plant has been cultivated for over twenty centu- 

 ries, and yet every year apparently increases in pop- 

 ularity with people of cultivated taste There are few 

 plants so easily grown, and yet it may be classed as a 

 luxury on southern tables, as so few domestic gardeners 

 take the trouble to grow it at the season when it is 

 most highly appreciated. The best varieties are intoler- 

 ant of hot sunshine, while very little protection will 



