144 MISCELLANEOUS COOL PLANTS. 
ONION. 
We have had good success in growing multiplier or 
potato onions under glass, planting them in a lettuce bed, 
where they will give bunch onions in six or seven weeks. 
In a warmer temperature, they become very strong in 
flavor. We have not been able to accomplish any useful 
results with onions from seeds, however, because they 
grow too slow and are not inclined to bottom. Neither 
have we succeeded with onions from sets, although we 
have given them a fair trial in different houses. The fol- 
lowing statements upon forcing onions from sets are by 
W. Van Fleet, of New Jersey, in answer to inquiries re- 
specting the forcing of bunch onions for winter market :* 
‘‘Three or four inches is about as thick as they can be 
grown; 3x6issafer. If grown 3x4 inches, alternate rows 
may be taken out as soon as large enough for market. 
Use one-fourth to one-third rotted manure, the rest good, 
sandy garden loam or rotted sods; 1-50 bone dust, or 1-150 
(in bulk) good fertilizer may be added after growth has 
begun. They can endure more cold than lettuce or rad- 
ishes, but are easily checked by low temperature when in 
full growth. Give them an average of 70° F. As the 
leaves do not cover the soil and prevent evaporation, there 
is little danger from over watering; nevertheless, onions 
do not like sodden ground. Have the benches well 
drained ; water thoroughly, and let the top soil dry per- 
ceptibly before repeating. The quick-growing American 
varieties give best results; Philadelphia, Silverskin and 
Yellow Globe Danvers are excellent. The sets should be 
carefully selected, of uniform shape, and less than one-half 
inch in diameter. Onions are rarely forced under glass 
now, and are of doubtful profit, owing to competition from 
the Egyptian and other hardy perennial onions, which grow 
throughout the winter in the south and are shipped to the 
northern markets as early as February. There is a possible 
*Rural New-Yorker, liii. 777 (December 8, 1894). 
