Leek.--Sow early in March, and prick out the plants in rich soil, in a
sheltered position, to strengthen. As soon as they are large enough,
plant them out in very rich, light ground in drills 6 in. between each
plant and the rows 18 in. apart. For large exhibition Leeks sow in
boxes in February, under glass. Plant out in June in trenches 15 in.
wide and 18 in. deep, with plenty of old manure at the bottom of the
trench and 6 in. of good light mould on the top of it. Gradually earth
up as the stems grow. Water liberally in dry weather, and give a
little weak liquid manure occasionally.
Leontopodium.--Hardy perennials, succeeding best in peat soil. They
are most suitable for rock-work, and may be increased by seed or
division of the roots. Bloom is produced in June. Height, 6 in.
Leopard's Bane.--See "Doronicum."
Leptosiphon.--Charming hardy annuals which make nice pot-plants. The
seed should be sown in rich, light soil--peat for preference. If this
is done in autumn they will flower in April and May; if sown in
spring they will bloom in autumn. They are very attractive in beds or
ribbons, and also on rock-work. Height, 3 in. to 1 ft.
Leptospermum.--Neat greenhouse evergreen shrubs, most at home in
equal
portions of loam, peat, and sand. Cuttings may be struck in sand under
glass. They flower in June. Height, 4 ft. to 5 ft.
Leschenaultia.--Elegant greenhouse shrubs, delighting in a mixture of
turfy loam, peat, and sand. They are evergreen, flower in June, and
are propagated by cuttings of the young wood under glass. Height, 1
ft.
Lettuce.--Sow early in February on a slight hotbed, and prick out into
a well-manured and warm border, having the soil broken down fine on
the surface. For early summer supplies sow outdoors in March, and at
intervals till the middle of September for later crops. Some of the
plants raised in September should be wintered in a cold frame, and the
remainder transplanted to a dry, sheltered border, or protected with
hand-lights. The June and July sowings may be made where the plants
are intended to remain. They should stand from 6 to 9 in. apart. A
north border is a suitable position in the summer months, as they are
less exposed to the sun, and do not run to seed so quickly. The Cos
Lettuce requires to be tied up to blanch; this should be done ten days
before it is wanted for use. Cabbage Lettuce does not need to be tied.
Leucanthemum (Hardy Marguerites).--Same treatment as
Chrysanthemum.
Leucojum (Snowflake).--Also known as St. Agnes' Flower. Handsome
plants. The flowers are pure white, every petal being tipped with
green, dropping in a cluster of from six to eight blooms, each nearly
1 in. long. They grow freely in almost any soil, sandy loam being