102 KITCHEN-GARDENING. 



The seed should be sown in April, or early in May, in drilla 

 about an inch deep, near fences or pales ; or trellises should be 

 constructed, on which they can climb and have support ; for 

 they will always be more productive in this way than when 

 suffered to trail on the ground. 



OKRA. GOMBO. Hibiscus esculentus. 



The green capsules of this plant are used in soups, stews, etc., 

 to which they impart a rich flavor, and are considered nutri- 

 tious. Its ripe seed, if burned and ground like coffee, can 

 scarcely be distinguished therefrom. 



The seed should be planted in good rich ground, the first or 

 second week in May, if settled warm weather, but not other- 

 wise, as it is a very tender vegetable. Draw drills about an 

 inch deep, and three or four feet asunder, into which drop 

 the seed at the distance of six or eight inches from each other, 

 or rather drop two or three in each place, lest the one should 

 not grow, and cover them nearly an inch deep. As the plants 

 advance in growth, thin them out, earth them up two or three 

 times, and they will produce abundantly. 



ONION. OIGNON. Allium cepa. 



Of the several varieties of Onions, the Yellow or Silver 

 Skinned, and Large Red, are the best for a general crop. The 

 bulbs are handsome, of firm growth, and keep well through the 

 winter. The New England White are handsome for the table, 

 and very suitable for pickling, as well as to pull while young, 

 and generally prove a very profitable crop. 



Previous to sowing Onion-seed for a general crop, the ground 

 should be well prepared by digging-in some of the oldest and 

 strongest manure that can be got. The earlier this is done in the 

 spring, the better ; and the planting should not be delayed longer 

 than the middle of April. The seed may be sown moderately 

 thick, in drills one inch deep and twelve inches apart. Those 

 who cultivate Onions for the sake of their bulbs, may use at the 

 rate of four or five pounds of seed per acre. 



