Shallots. 309 



also the possibility of doing a moderate business in supplying 

 retailers or householders direct. 



The Shallot is easy to grow and gives very little trouble if 

 its requirements are complied with. It needs an open, sunny 

 position and a rather light soil, deeply-worked and well-drained ; 

 heavy, damp soil is unsuitable. To obtain good crops the soil 

 should be prepared and manured in the same way as for onions, 

 with the difference that it does not need to be quite so rich, 

 particularly when the crop is intended for pickling. 



The Shallot may be grown 

 either from seed or from 

 bulbs, but as seeding offers 

 no advantages, and as propa- 

 gation is much more easily 

 effected by planting the 

 bulbs, this is the method 

 always followed, except for 

 special purposes. 



Early planting is essential, 

 as the bulbs begin to go soft 

 very early in the spring and 

 are then comparatively use- 

 less for planting. Plant at the first opportunity, in a spell of 

 open weather, during January or early in February, in rows 

 from Bin. to 12in. apart, with 4in. to Gin. between the bulbs 

 in the row, according to the variety grown and the richness of 

 the soil. Before planting, 

 the soil should be lightly 

 rolled, and the bulbs then 

 inserted to half their 

 depth, either by the aid of 

 a dibber or, if the soil is 

 free enough, by simply 

 pressing them in. Dry, 

 loose skins and dead tops 



Copyright, V. A. & Co. 



The True Shallot. 



should be removed, or 

 worms, by trying to draw 



Copyright, V. A. & Co. 



The Jersey, or False, Shallot. 



these parts into their holes, will often pull the bulbs out of the 

 ground, and the soil should be closed firmly around them or 



