Cultural Directions. — 269 



Thinning is entirely avoided, and the weeds are easily taken out 

 from among the large plants standing at regular distances. I 

 can grow an acre of Prizetakers by the new method with a sav- 

 ing of 20 or 25 per cent, of labor 

 compared with the old way. But 

 there are other, and no less im- 

 portant advantages of the former, 

 among them : 



(i). Earlier ripening of the 

 crop. With six weeks to start in 

 sowing, the crop will come to 

 maturity several weeks earlier than 

 it would otherwise. This gives a 

 chance for marketing the bulbs 

 much in advance of competitors 

 who adhere to the old onion cul- 

 ture, as also in clearing the ground 

 for succeeding crops, such as 

 celery, turnips, fall spinach, etc. 



White Globe. 



(2). A decided improvement of the bulbs in respect to 

 shape and uniformity. The bulbs standing at regular distances 

 and having room enough for perfect development, grow to a 

 much larger size, and as perfect as it is possible for onions to 

 grow. 



(3). A greatly increased yield, to the extent of even doub- 

 ling or trebling that obtained by the ordinary method. A yield 

 of 2000 bushels to the acre is within easy reach under the best 

 conditions, and the crop can always be expected to exceed 1000 

 bushels to the acre where the conditions are only fairly favora- 

 ble. 



(4). Quicker sale and better prices, in consequence of 

 marketing at a more favorable season, and of the finer appear- 

 ance of the bulbs. I often get all my Prizetakers into the market 

 when they bring a dollar and upwards per bushel, while the ordi- 

 nary crops, later on, bring 50 cents or less. 



(5). The elimination of almost all uncertainties from the 

 business. P^ven failure, by blight or drouth, would often mean 

 what average growers would call a " big crop." Nothing short 

 of hail and flood could prevent a good profit in this new onion 

 culture if managed with ordinary intelligence. 



Readers who are especially interested in this new and profit- 

 able way of growing onions for market, will find all the minutest 

 details explained in my "The New Onion Culture," 



