THE OLD AND THE NEW. 37 



fine, sound, well-finished bulbs. With the ordinary earlier 

 sorts there is less risk from this cause, but an early start is 

 important just the same, for without it we will lose our 

 chances of securing the high prices of the crop ruling 

 the markets previous to the advent of the main crop. 



For the purposes of the home-grower a box filled with 

 nice, clean sandy loam and set in a kitchen window will 

 answer. Buy an ordinary paper of the desired onion va- 

 riety and sow the seed thinly, either in rows two or three 

 inches apart or broadcast, cover with fine soil or sand 

 to the depth of a half or three-quarters of an inch, and 

 firm well. Apply water as needed to keep the soil moist 

 (not wet), and after the plants make their appearance pull 

 up all weeds that may start. If the onion seedlings are 

 " as thick as hair on a dog," they will require thinning, 

 and, at any rate, if in the least crowded, the tops should 

 be shortened by shearing or clipping for the purpose of 

 making the young plants short and stocky. One good 

 plant is worth more than a dozen poor, spindling things. 

 A good plant is easily transplanted and sure to pass 

 through the operation uninjured, no matter how dry the 

 weather may be. The crowded, spindling plant, however, 

 is liable to lose its life under unfavorable conditions, and, 

 at any rate, will require an unreasonably long time to get 

 established in its new quarters, and to begin a new, strong 

 growth. 



Heretofore I have grown my plants in hot-beds, some- 

 times even in cold frames. For the colder Northern 

 States artificial heat is indispensable to secure all the ad- 

 vantages of the new method. Cold frames may do in the 

 South. I also prefer glass sash, while in milder climates 

 muslin-covered frames may give all the protection needed. 



The hot-bed should have a mild, lasting heat, which can 

 be secured by an eighteen-inch layer of well-tempered^ 



