This plant grows wild in the island of Sicily.
100. LEEKS (Allium porrum) belong to the onion or garlic tribe, and are known by their leaves growing out on each side, somewhat in the shape of a fan.
In some countries leeks are much esteemed for culinary uses, in soups, broth, and for boiling as greens with meat.
They are considered the badge of the Welsh nation, and representations of them are frequently worn by persons of that country on the day of their patron saint, St. David. The origin of this custom was an occurrence, during the Welsh wars, in which a party of Welshmen, wanting a mark of distinction, and shortly afterwards passing through a field or garden of leeks, seized and stuck the plants in their caps, and under this signal were victorious.
Leeks are natives of Switzerland.
101. SHALOT (Allium ascalonicum) is a kind of garlic, the bulbs or roots of which are oblong, irregular, and seldom of large size.
The stem is naked and round; the leaves are somewhat awl-shaped; the head of flowers is globular; and the stamens are three-pointed.
The uses of shalot, or echalotte, as it is denominated by the French, are almost wholly confined to cookery. It has a strong, but rather pleasant smell, on which account it is generally preferred to onions. It is employed for the seasoning of soups, gravy, hashes, pickles, and for numerous other purposes.
This plant grows wild in several parts of the Continent.
102. The CANADIAN or TREE ONION (Allium Canadense) is remarkable for producing a bulb or onion at the top of the stalk.