CULTURE OF BULB AND STEM CROPS. 99 



when a dressing of short or decayed manure may be 

 dug in, mixing it with the top spade depth. After 

 digging and in spring apply the fertilisers advised 

 for onions, and give a dusting of soot to the ground 

 either before or after planting. 



Culture. Shallots are usually increased by divi- 

 sion of the ofi-sets, or cloves ; and after lifting the 

 crop each summer, medium sized, firm specimens 

 should be selected for planting the following spring. 



Early in March firm the ground and rake it level ; 

 set the line and plant the bulbs in rows 1 foot apart 

 and 8 to 9 inches between the bulbs in the rows. 

 They should be inserted so that the apex is just above 

 the soil level. Hoe frequently between the rows 

 during summer ; and early in August, when the leaves 

 turn yellow, lift the bulbs, shake them free of soil, 

 and spread them out on sacks or in shallow boxes to 

 dry in the sun, taking them indoors at night or 

 during damp weather. When well ripened place in 

 shallow boxes or in nets, and store in a dry, airy 

 place indoors. 



Giant Red is one of the best varieties. 



Leek. 



Botanical Name : Allium porrum. 

 Natural Order : Liliacece. 



The leek has been cultivated and used as food from 

 very ancient times, and its native habitat is uncer- 

 tain. It appears to have been grown in this country 

 for several centuries. 



Soil and Manures. Leeks may be successfully 

 grown in any good garden soil that is deeply worked 



