ESSEX SOCIETY. 49 



the surface. Without question, the effect of the muscle-bed is 

 congenial to the growth of the onion, giving those who live in 

 the vicinity of rivers where it is found, a special advantage over 

 those who are remote from it. 



Leached ashes is also a valuable manure in the cultivation 

 of the onion ; more so when leached than before. All kinds of 

 ashes are advantageously applied on onion land. 



Compost manure made of meadow-mud and droppings from 

 the cattle, we have known advantageously applied on onion 

 fields ; but we have many doubts as to this being the best appli- 

 cation of this kind of manure. A more lively and quickly 

 operating manure is better for onions ; one that will give them 

 an early start, and advance them as fast as possible, in the 

 first part of the season. The utmost vigilance and activity is 

 used by our cultivators in getting their land ready, at an early 

 period of the season, for the reception of the seed. It is the 

 first field-labor of the spring. The use of compost-manure will 

 depend much upon the constituents of the soil with which it is 

 mixed. If the soil be a sandy loam, with a porous sub-soil, the 

 compost will do tolerably well ; but if it be a black soil, with a 

 clayey sub-soil, such as are most of the lands where onions are 

 raised in this vicinity, stable manure, or muscle-bed, or leached 

 ashes, or a mixture of these, will be a better application. . The 

 quantity ordinarily applied annually, is from four to five cords 

 to the acre. Whatever is applied, should be generously applied. 

 It will be vain to expect full crops of onions, without full ma- 

 nuring. When the manure is collected, it is benefited much by a 

 free application of elbow-grease in its preparation. The cultiva- 

 tor of the onion must work early and late, and in good earnest. 

 Nothing short of forcible and persevering labor will answer. 

 No man who is afraid of soiling his hands or the knees of his 

 trowsers, will do to engage in this business. Close work at the 

 proper time, is the only sure guarantee of a good crop. 



3. The raising and planting of the seed. 



In relation to the onion, as well as all other vegetables, much 



care is necessary in the selection of the plants for seed, and the 



cultivation of the seed. By the application of this care, the 



character of the article raised may be modified, almost at pleas- 



7 



