374 THE AMERICAN FAEMER 



thrown into each furrow, partially filling it. The plow is then run through the center of each 

 ridge, throwing the soil over the manure, and forming ridges over it. A light roller or 

 drag-plank drawn over the field will smooth down the ridges, and fit them for the seed, which 

 may be put in with a drill. 



The ridge method of culture, as well as all other modes for root crops, requires a deep, 

 clean soil, finely-pulverized, and after-culture sufficient to exterminate the weeds. A cultiva 

 tor can be set sufficiently narrow for this purpose, or the wheel -hoe may be used. 



The ridge system of cultivation requires more labor in preparing the field for seed, and, 

 usually, a larger area of land than the common method. 



HOW to Construct Tentilatoi S for Root-Pits. In storing vegetables in pits, it 

 is necessary to provide some means of permitting the vapor and moisture from them to 

 escape without admitting the rain or frost, as either would cause a speedy decay of the roots. 

 The American Cultivator recommends the following simple and sensible methods of ventilating 

 root-pits, which may prove of value to many farmers who make use of such modes of storage 

 for these crops: 



&quot; In pitting roots, abundant openings should be provided for the escape of the heated 

 air and moisture, produced by the ripening and fermentation of the roots. All moist veg 

 etable matter, when packed closely in a heap or mass, will begin to heat and ferment in the 

 course of a few hours. The heat produces considerable vapor, which must pass off, and in 

 its escape carry off the heat with it, else the temperature will increase, and, before long, 

 decomposition will begin, and the mass will rot. Danger of this is averted, both by having 

 the roots free from outside moisture when pitted, and by facilitating the escape of that which 

 they give off. This is usually done by leaving open spaces every few feet at the top of the 

 pits, into which bundles of straw, or drain-tiles, are placed, to serve as flues. But it is well 

 to open a ventilator from the bottom of the heap, into which the hot and moist air may 

 escape from all sides. This may be done by tying a number of rails together (the more 

 crooked the rails, the better, as they will provide more spaces), and placing a bundle in the 

 pits at about every six feet of their length. The top of each bundle projects a few inches, 

 and this may be protected by a cap of straw. This cap should be tied firmly to the top of 

 the rails, to secure it from winds, and to shed rain. If small bunches of straw were fixed in 

 the bottom of the pit, half-way between the ventilators, so long as the weather is not too cold, 

 they would greatly facilitate the cooling and drying of the roots. &quot;When frosts are looked 

 for, these bottom air-holes should be securely closed, and then the roots can take care of 

 themselves.&quot; 



ONIONS. 



THE onion is an important culinary vegetable. It was cultivated in Egypt and Asia 

 ages ago, and has been introduced from thence into nearly all civilized countries. As 

 an article of food, it is healthful, nutritious, and also often used for its medicinal 

 properties. There are numerous varieties which may be largely modified by the influence of 

 soil and climate. 



Some localities are especially noted for the culture of this crop, such as Wethersfield, 

 Conn., Danvers, Mass., and the Bermuda Islands, where the soil seems especially adapted to 

 its most successful production. 



The supply of onions found in our city markets is produced, to a large extent, by market 

 gardeners, although many farmers make this crop a specialty, and find it a very profitable 

 one. Onions may be grown from sets or bulbs, or from seed. 



