LEEK. Allium porrum. In the 'United States the leek is less cultivated than in most other countries. It belongs to the onion family. It has always been regarded with particular favor by the Egyptians, who eat it mw with their bread, or as a sauce for meats. It is fre quently associated with the name of St. David, the patron saint of Wales, for the reason that -Welshmen are accustomed to sport leeks in their hats upon his festival, the first of March. This is a very- ancient custora, and vve find frequent mention of it among the old writers. Some per sons have thought that it commernorates the intro duction of the plant into that country by St. David; but more probably, as Shakspeare says, in his Henry the Fifth, it is worn as a memo rable trophy of predeceased valor. According to an ancient tradition, in a celebrated victory of the Welsh over the Saxons, in the sixth century, the former under the prelate's directions, were distinguished by leeks which they gathered near the battle ground. As he was supposed to have power to work miracles, it is not strange that their glorious success should have been attrib uted to this cause. Whatever may be the origin
of the custom, it would be quite as remarkable to find a Welshman without his leek on the first of March, as it would to discover a genuine Flibernian without a shamrock in his buttonhole ou St. Patrick's Day. For certain purposes the leek is preferred to the onion. The seed of the leek should be sown as early as possible, in a well prepared bed, and transplanted when large enough, in shallow trenches oue foot apart. In the row they should be left six inches apart; the soil should be light, rich, and mellow. If the weather turns diy, the plants must be watered, since they are impatient of drought; keep the soil mellow, and draw it about the stems from time to time. The London-flag-leek is hardy, and the variety usually cultivated in the United States. The whole plant is used in various ways, either boiled, or in soups, stews, etc.