VEGETABLE GARDENING. 



common to sow the seed early in spring and transplant in 

 summer, settling plants very deep, as the market value de- 

 pends on the blanched condition of the stem; and for the same 

 reason in hoeing the soil is drawn up over the stem. They 

 transplant very easily when the soil is moist, but should have 

 the tops trimmed off as recommended in transplanting onions. 

 If they are not transplanted, especial care should be taken to 

 draw the soil towards the plants in hoeing. They may be stored 

 in the same manner as celery, and are marketed in bunches 

 the same as green onions. 



Varieties. — There are several varieties which vary in form 

 and color. 



Large Flag leek is a popular sort and, perhaps, more largely 

 grown than any other. 



Scotch Flag or Musselburgh leek is longer than the above, 

 but not quite so thick. 



CHIVES. (Allium schoenoprasum.) 



Native of Europe. — Perennial. — A hardy plant growing in 

 thick tufts. Bulbs oval, scarcely as large as a hazelnut, forming 

 compact masses; leaves very numerous, grass-like in appear- 

 ance and hollow. Flower stems in terminal clusters of violet- 

 red flowers and usually barren. The tops have an onion-like 

 flavor and are used in seasoning. 



Culture. — Chives are propagated by dividing the tufts. They 

 are not much used and are generally grown as edgings for beds 

 in the garden. Of the easiest culture. 



THE BUCKWHEAT FAMILY. (Order Polygonaceae.) 



The buckwheat family includes herbs which alternate entire 

 leaves and stipules in the form of sheaths above the swollen 

 joints of the stem. Flowers mostly perfect vvith a one-celled 

 ovary bearing two or three styles or stigmas. Fruit usually an 

 achene either flattened or three or four-angled or winged. Some- 

 tim.es agreeably' acid as in sorrel and sometimes cathartic as 

 the roots of rhubarb. Only rhubarb is here discussed, but other 

 familiar plants that belong to this order are Sorrel, Bitter 

 Curled and other docks, Knotwood, Smartweed, Bindwv^ed or 

 Wild Buckwheat and Field Buckwheat. 



