ESSAY ON ONIONS. 89 



stood, that the round, thick, plump onion is preferable in many re- 

 spects. It is thought to yield better, and weigh heavier. It is 

 found to have a decided preference in the market, commanding 

 ten p>er cent more in price. By selecting those of most desirable 

 form, which ripen the earliest, and carefully setting them for seed, 

 where they will not be exposed to the impregnation of the baser sorts, 

 the quality has been materially changed and improved. These pecu- 

 liarities in the onion were first noticed in this vicinity by Mr. Daniel 

 Buxton. He was careful to select in the field before the crop was 

 gathered, such onions as he preferred, and to preserve them for seed. 



By so doing, the seed which he raised soon acquired a character 

 superior to any other. Many of those who had been accustomed to 

 raise their own seed in the ordinary way, laid it aside, and purchased 

 seed raised by Mr. Buxton, and found their account in so doing. 

 There are three varieties of the onion raised in this vicinity. The 

 Silver-skin, the Red, and the White onion. The Silver-skin is the 

 predominant species, and more cultivated than all others. The Red 

 is pi'eferred by some, — sells better in some foreign max'kets, but does 

 not yield so abundantly. The White onion yields as well as either of 

 the others, is milder and preferable for immediate use ; it will not keep 

 as well, and is not fit for exportation ; which is the principal use made 

 of our onions. 



The common drill machine is used for the distribution of the seed. 

 This admits of regulation, so as to scatter it more or less thick ; and 

 in this there is room for the application of sound judgement. The 

 usual quantity sown is about three pounds to an acre. As a general 

 rule, we should say, one pound of good seed was the proper quantity for 

 a quarter of an acre of land of good quality well prepared. It is de- 

 sirable to have the seed planted as thick as they will grow fairly, both 

 to secure a full crop, and prevent the onion growing too large. On 

 ions from one to two inches in diameter being preferred to those of a 

 larger size. The skilful cultivator carefully looks after all these little 

 incidents relating to his crop. 



4. The care necessary to be applied while growing. 



Much of the success of the crop depends on this care. At first 

 the plant is extremely tender, and requires to be handled with much 

 caution. Any derangement of the fibres or roots of the young plant, 

 is attended with prejudicial consequences. Much attention is neces- 

 sary to prevent weeds gaining the ascendancy ; and in eradicating the 



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