CHIVES. COMMON ONION. 91 
perennial, and are propagated by planting the bulbs in 
the spring or autumn. Either the bulbs of the root or 
those on the stalk will grow. 
103. CHIVES (Allium schcenoprasum) are the smallest of 
the garlic tribe, seldom rising more than a few inches above 
the ground, and the bulbs not being larger than peas. 
The stem is naked, as long as the leaves ; and the leaves are 
round., arid somewhat awl- shaped. 
Chives are natives of Italy, Switzerland, and several 
other parts of Europe ; and are so hardy, and at the 
same time so useful, that they merit a place in every 
garden: yet, in the northern counties of England and 
in Scotland, they are very rarely to be seen. The 
leaves, which are small and are the principal parts that are 
used, appear early in the spring. They are employed in 
salads, and for numerous culinary purposes ; and often 
at a season when other plants of the same tribe cannot 
be procured. 
104. The COMMON ONION (Allium cepa) is known by 
its round and hollow leaves, and its swelling pipy stalk, which 
is considerably thicker in the middle than either at the top or 
bottom. 
The name of onion is derived from the Latin word 
unio, which, properly, signifies a bulb that does not 
throw out offsets. Onions are propagated by seed 
which are sown in spring ; and the bulbs or roots ar- 
rive at perfection in the autumn. The whole plant, 
when young, is eaten as salad. Onions generally cease 
to grow towards the middle of August, the stalks and 
leaves at that time shrinking and turning brown. 
Shortly after this they must be drawn out of the earth ; 
the tops and blades must be cut off; and the roots 
dried, either in a warm place, or by exposure to the 
sun. 
Spanish onions are of large size, and flattened shape; 
and Portugal onions are large, handsome bulbs, of 
roundish form. 
By the common people onions are frequently eaten 
