Chives (Ciboules, ciboulette, or civettes).—These
are a small kind of onion, differing, however, from
the ordinary sort by the fact that the leaves and not
the bulbs are used. They are greatly used for flavouring
and seasoning, and, properly speaking, should
always form a part of any d'uxelle fourniture or
fines herbes garnish. They should, when possible,
be used directly they are gathered, as the flavour
passes off very quickly, and in consequence they
are not often seen in greengrocers' shops. Their
flavour is far more delicate than that of the onion
proper, and is almost indispensable for the perfect
success of certain dishes, such as civets de lièvre, etc.,
which are said to derive their name from the cives or
civettes used in their preparation.