ONION. 203 



of onions of a milder cast than either the Deptford 

 or Strasburg. There are two varieties of this 

 onion, the white and the brown ; of the two, the 

 brown will keep the longest. The true Reading 

 has a silvery appearance, and is the sort which 

 should be selected for seed : the size of the bulbs 

 for this purpose is not material ; as, from an ob- 

 servation made by the author, just as fine onions 

 were produced from seed saved from the smaller 

 as from the larger bulbs. It is the nature of the 

 soil and method of cultivation which cause the 

 principal difference in respect to the size and quality 

 of onions. 



3. Silver-skinned, a very excellent sort. This, 

 together with the Reading, are the best and most 

 esteemed for pickling. 



4. White Spanish, Portugal, or Lisbon. These 

 are fine onions as long as they last, which is only in 

 the early part of winter. To have these sorts true, 

 seed should be imported every second year at 

 least, as they deteriorate after three or four years 

 cultivation in this country. 



5. Tripoli ; a very fine onion, growing to a large 

 size, and of a more oval or pyramidical form than any 

 other variety. It is excellent for a late crop ; but 

 does not keep long after it is taken up. If this 

 onion is wished to be kept from decreasing in size 

 and quality, fresh seed must be imported every 

 season. 



6. James's Long-keeping. "1 These are two va- 



7. True Globe. Jluable sorts; that of 

 James's in particular: they both keep well, and 

 are mild and well-flavoured. The author well re- 



