VEGETABLES DESCRIPTION AND CULTURE. 241 



June or July. Leeks can be planted between almost any 

 other crop by giving six inches extra room. 



For Seed. Some of the finest roots of last year's 

 growth may be transplanted in February eight inches 

 distant in a row. When the seed stems arise, they must 

 be supported by tying them to stakes. The heads should 

 be cut when changed to a brownish color, with about a 

 foot of the stalk attached, for the convenience of tying 

 them into bundles of three or four to dry. When dry, 

 they may be hung up in a dry place, and kept in the head 

 until wanted, or threshed out and stored in paper bags; 

 the seed will keep two years. 



Use. The whole plant is much used in soups and stews, 

 but the most delicate part is the blanched stems. From 

 its mild, agreeable taste, it is esteemed by many above the 

 onion. 



LENTIL. (Ervum Lens.) 



The garden lentil is an- annual Leguminous plant culti- 

 vated in France for its flat seeds, of which two are con- 

 tained in each pod. Lentils are planted at the same sea- 

 son with snap beans, in warm, sandy soil. If planted in 

 one too rich, they grow vigorously, but produce few seeds. 

 Sow in drills 20 inches asunder, covering lightly, and 

 manage them like the snap bean. Harvest when the stems 

 begin to turn yellow, and the pods of a dark color, but do 

 not beat them out of the pod until required for use, as in 

 this condition they remain longer fit for use and sowing. 



Green or dry they are cooked like beans, and when dry, 

 should be boiled two hours and a half. Soak in water be- 

 fore boiling. When done, add butter, pepper, and salt. 

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