84 
Practical  Hints  on  Vegetable  Farming. 
best  as  it  gives  the  ])lant  a tempting  ap|)earance  with  a 
blanched  centre  and  a fringe  of  delicate  green.  On  the 
approach  of  winter  the  j)lants  may  be  lifted  and  planted 
closely  together  in  dry  cellars,  sheds,  frames,  or  greenhouses 
from  which  frost  is  excluded,  and  from  whence  they  can  he 
taken  as  required. 
Kale. — This  has  already  been  described  under  “ Borecole.” 
Leeks. — The  Leek  has  long  been  in  favour,  and  its  culture 
becomes  more  extended  each  year.  It  is  very  hardy  and 
withstands  our  winters  without  injury.  As  the  succulent 
stem  is  the  part  consumed  it  should  be  encouraged  to  grow 
vigorously  by  liberal  manuring. 
Sow  seed  in  the  open  air  as  for  onions  in  February  or 
March.  Plant  out  in  narrow  trenches  exactly  as  for  early 
celery,  with  plenty  of  manure.  Good  Leeks  may  be  obtained 
by  planting  them  u]>on  the  ordinary  level  of  the  soil,  which 
has  previously  had  a good  dressing  of  manure.  In  this  case 
a hole  is  made  to  the  full  length  of  the  dibber,  a Leek  dropped 
in,  and  the  hole  left  unfilled.  The  plant  roots  in  the  soil, 
grows,  and  nearlv — })erhaps  quite — fills  up  the  hole. 
A B 
(Srable  manure  and  mixed  (Cliemical  manure  only) 
chemical  manure) 
Fig.  7,— Leeks  grown  in  1902. 
Lettuce. — The  Lettuce  is  a smooth  annual  plant  containing 
a milky  and  narcotic  juice  ; it  has  been  cultivated  from  remote 
antiquity,  and  is  in  general  use  as  a salad.  The  inspissated  or 
thickened  juice,  known  as  lettuce  o[)ium,  is  used  medicinally  to 
allay  pain  and  induce  sleep.  Lettuces  are  a profitable  crop  to 
