ONION 



175 



Seed is never grown from sets, as the results would 



probably be inferior. Varieties of Onions are classified 



according to methods of propagation, as above, or by 



shape (round, flat, oval and top-shape) and color (red 



yellow, white). Some varieties are very large. Diseases 



and pests are troublesome. 



Soil for Onions, since an early start is essential for 



an early crop, is best prepared in the 



fall by plowing, leaving the ground 



rough through the winter. For a late 



crop the ground may be prepared when 



the spring opens. The soil should be 



moist but well drained, rich, and 



"quick."" Fresh or rough manure 



should not be used on Onion land, 



but well-rotted manure may be worked in, and should 

 be supplemented with surface dress- 

 ings of commercial fertilizers and 

 wood-ashes, lightly worked in, since 

 Onions are chiefly surface feeders. 

 Onion ground should not be light or 

 loose, as the bulbs develop better on 

 a firm surface. The preliminary sur- 

 face cultivation should be kept up 



until the time of planting, to conserve the moisture 



and kill all the weeds. 



Commercially, the choice of Onion land is of the 



greatest importance. Clay lands are too hard to work, 



Fig. 82. 

 A multiplier Onion. 



Fig. 83. 



A multiplier Onion in 

 cross-section, show- 

 ing its divisions. 



