THE ONION. 131 



apart, and ten inches asunder in the rows. The small bulbs 

 produced upon the stalk are sometimes used for propagation, 

 and are set at the same season with the underground bulbs, 

 in rows one foot apart, and four inches apart in the rows. 

 These small bulbs are obtained by setting mature or fully 

 developed bulbs in April or May, and treating as directed for 

 raising the seeds of the Common Onion. 



This is one of Tripoli. 



Thomp. 

 the largest Varieties. FLAT MADEIRA. 



The bulb tapers abruptly from 

 the middle to the neck, and almost 

 equally so to the base. It is five 

 inches and upwards in diameter ; 

 color light reddish-brown, be- 

 neath the skin, pale brownish-red, 

 tinged with green. 



It requires the whole season, 

 and in some localities is consid- 

 ered excellent for a late crop. 



Madeira Onion. The flesh ig goftj an( j the bulbs 



soon perish after being taken from the ground. In its 

 season it is much esteemed for its mild and delicate flavor. 

 Like the Madeira Onion, the plants fail to form bulbs so 

 generally as other varieties. Not adapted to the climate of 

 the Northern States. 



This variety derives its name from the fact Two-Bladed. 

 that the small bulbs have generally but two 

 leaves. The larger ones have more, rarely, however, ex- 

 ceeding four ; but, unless by far the greater portion have only 

 two leaves, either the seed or the cultivation is at fault. 



The bulbs are small, flat, light-brown, very firm, and attain 

 maturity early ; the neck is small, and the top of the bulb is 



