LEEKS 41 



situations it may be well to sow a box of seed in a 

 frame for an early supply. These, pricked out in rich 

 soil later on, and then transplanted early in the summer 

 into the trenches, will provide an early autumn supply. 

 For late supplies, indeed, for any season, it is not 

 necessary to plant in trenches. A richly manured 

 quarter on the flat will grow good plants, but it is 

 well to draw drills, and at the time of planting to be 

 careful to spread the roots out evenly. If a dibber is 

 used, care should be taken to make the hole large and 

 deep enough for the roots, to prevent doubling up. I 

 think that under any circumstances it is advisable to make 

 two sowings in boxes — one early, and one, say six weeks 

 later. By this means* leeks may be had from October 

 till May — a long period — and, even if not liked as a 

 vegetable, they are most useful for flavouring. The 

 leek should be planted in an open position, and should 

 never lack food or moisture in the summer months if 

 size is needed. Planted on the flat in drills, they should 

 be eighteen inches apart, allowing half this distance 

 between the plants ; indeed, in Scotland, more space 

 than this is often given in order to allow of earthing up 

 the stems in the winter to blanch them. . If the plants 

 are in trenches the latter should be two feet apart, and 

 a good coating of decayed manure should be placed in 

 the bottom before planting. Few plants are more hardy, 

 as, though the points of the leaves may be touched 

 by frost, it does not harm the stem ; indeed, cold appears 

 to give a delicate flavour, and the latter is also improved 

 by salt dressings in damp weather. For hardiness, the 

 Musselburgh is one of the best, and, what is more im- 

 portant, the flavour is mild, even when the leeks are not 

 given the best culture. Other kinds are the Holborn 

 Model, one of the largest and longest leeks grown. 

 Prizetaker also is a splendid variety, and the Ayton 

 Castle Giant is not unlike it as regards size. The last 



