476 



THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 



or enlargements 



a new tuft ; but, as it seeds abundantly, and the plants are apt to 

 suffer in a severe winter, it is most usually raised from seed in 

 preference. The soil should be good, and both well manured 

 and well dug. The seed is sown, where the plants are to stand, 

 from February to April or May. The only attention afterwards 

 required is to water the plants and keep the beds free from weeds, 

 as with Onions. In three months' time after sowing, the first 

 cuttings of the leaves for use may be made. 



Uses. — The leaves, which have a strong Oniony flavour, are 

 used for seasoning. 



Common, or French Red, Welsh Onion, or Ciboule. — Bulbs 

 very long, coppery red, and covered with dry 

 membranes, like the outer coats 

 of the Common Onion, which also 

 cover the bases of the leaves for 

 some distance above ground; seed 

 black, angular, flattened, and con- 

 cave on one of the sides or faces, 

 and quite like the seed of the 

 Common Onion. Its germinating 

 power lasts for two or three years. 

 This is the variety which is most 

 commonly grown. It is produc- 

 tive and comparatively hardy. 



Early White, or English, 

 Welsh Onion. — A very distinct 

 variety, having the bulbs or en- 

 largements shorter than those of 

 the preceding or ordinary kind, and 

 with pinkish white coats, silvery 

 white above ground. Leaves short 

 and stiff, dark glaucous green, not so strong to taste as those of 

 the ordinary kind, and more delicate in flavour. The seed also is 

 smaller. Its germinating power continues for the same length of 

 time. This variety appears to be sensitive to cold. In winter it 

 loses its leaves entirely, but sends out new ones early in spring. 



Common Welsh Onion, or Ciboule 

 (|- natural size ; detached stem, 

 ^ natural size). 



PERENNIAL WELSH ONION 



Allium lusitanicum^ Lamk. LiliacecB. 



Ciboule vivace. 



Bulbs numerous, very long, a rather deep red-brown, attached 

 to a common disc at the base ; leaves a very glaucous green, stiff, 

 thick, and numerous. The plant sometimes produces flower-stems, 

 w^hich terminate in a globular cluster of pale violet-coloured flowers 



