\ EOETABLE CROPS. 671 



THE ONION. 



In view of the large quantities of onions that arc annually imported in' 

 X-_'\v South Wales from other States (notably Victoria), and of the natural 

 facilities for the production of the crop which portions of our own State 

 --ess, the development of onion-growing into a substantial local industry 

 would seem to be long overdue. New South Wales has ample land of a 

 suitable type, a climate that is particularly well adapted to the crop, and a 

 season several weeks ahead of the southern states, which gives the New 

 South Wales grower a great advantage in marketing. Our farmers are, 

 unfortunately, loth to undertake onion culture, mainly because of the tedious 

 work involved in keeping the crop free from weeds, though weeding is not 

 arduous if care has been taken in the preparation of the land and a deep 

 preliminary ploughing is followed by a succession of harrowings extending 

 over some months. By this means the work after planting is reduced to a 

 minimum. Successive sowings on the same land for a number of years still 

 further reduce the weeds, and are recommended, for, unlike most other crops, 

 'liions may be grown for ten or twelve years without a rotation crop, pro- 

 vided no disease makes its appearance. The seed-bed must be fine and 

 moist at sowing time, and must have a firm subsurface. 



The ideal climatic requirements for onions are warmth, ample moisture, 

 and absence of strong winds. Owing to a comparatively deep-rooting habit, 

 however, the crop will withstand excessive heat, and will weather dry con- 

 ditions longer than most others. The soil chosen should be well drained 

 and of a loose, friable nature, and the best crops are obtained on black or 

 red volcanic or dark sandy loams. The keeping quality and size of. the 

 bulbs is largely determined by the nature of the soil. Onions grown in 

 sandy soil mature quickly and are of large size, but they are of poor keeping 

 and carrying quality, while those grown on chocolate or black soils of a 

 stiffer nature have thick skins, keep and handle well, and are of greater 

 substance and solidity of flesh. 



Preparation of Land. 



It is a great advantage to get the land ready as early as possible, so that 

 any weeds which appear can be got rid of and much subsequent labour thus 

 saved. The land should be ploughed as deeply as the subsoil will permit. 

 The character of the soil should determine the proper depth of ploughing. 

 If the land is loose, rich, and friable, ploughing to a depth of 10 to 12 inches 

 is recommended; there is little danger of ploughing too deep. It is not 

 desirable to turn up a stiff heavy subsoil in preparing ground, for this 

 invariably diminishes the yield, renders cultivation more difficult, and 

 Tequires more frequent tilling. Frequent cross cultivation and harrowings 

 are essential to reduce the soil to a firm tilth; the finer the tilth the better 

 for weeding and hoeing. The soil cannot be too fine for the reception of the 

 seed, and must be firmed with the roller, for that condition is requisite to 

 ensure the proper development of the bulbs. A disc harrow is almost indis- 

 pensable if clods and lumps are numerous. The roller and this implement 

 may be used alternately with advantage. Soils which are stiff and heavy, 

 and are deficient in fertility, ma.v be greatly improved by growing and 

 ploughing under cowpeas. The effect of such treatment is to enrich the 

 soil, making it loose and friable, and free from many weed seed-. 



