68 ALLIACEOUS PLANTS. 



be the best kind for forcing, as it acquires a sufficient thick- 

 ness of stem sooner than any other. In England, it is pro- 

 nounced one of the best, if not' the best, of all varieties. 



London Flag. Stem four inches in length, and nearly an 

 BROAD FLAG! ch and a half in diameter. 



The London Flag Leek is hardy and of 

 good quality, and is more generally cultivated in this 

 country than any other variety. 



Musselburg. Stem somewhat shorter than that of the 

 scoT^FiAo. London Flag, but of equal thickness. The 

 swelling at the base has the same form. 

 Hardy, and of excellent quality. 



Yellow Poitou. A remarkably large variety : the leaves 

 Thomp. having sometimes measured five feet in 

 length, and six inches in breadth. The underground or 

 blanched portion of the stem is yellowish-white, and is 

 more tender than that of any other variety. On this ac- 

 count, and also for its large size, it deserves cultivation. 



THEONION. 



Allium cepa. 



The Onion is a half-hardy biennial plant : the roots and 

 leaves, however, are annual, as they usually perish during 

 the first year. The bulbs, for which the plant is generally 

 cultivated, are biennial, and differ, to a considerable extent, 

 in their size, form, and color. The flower-stalk, which is 

 developed the second year, is from three to four feet in 

 height, leafless, hollow, swollen just below the middle, and 

 tapers to the top. The flowers are either white or rose- 

 colored, and are produced at the extremity of the stalk, in 



