ONION. 207 



onion rises out of the ground, the finer and better 

 it keeps. In raking in the seed, it has been noticed 

 that the lines or teeth of most rakes are, in general, 

 too close; consequently, if used to a proper depth, 

 they draw the seed up in heaps, thereby causing a 

 very unsightly crop. 



In about three weeks the onions will make their 

 appearance, when, if many weeds should rise among 

 them, they must be cleared by the hand or a very 

 small hoe. This is seldom used in country places, 

 where young onions are a source of profit ; but 

 in large market-gardens round London the hoe 

 is used as soon as possible ; the expert onion hoers 

 taking them by the acre, at sixpence per rod, to thin 

 them out with a two-inch hoe, and keep them 

 clean till July ; in dry seasons, four shillings a day 

 may be earned in this manner, but considerably less 

 if the weather is wet, as the bargain stipulates for 

 the total eradication of weeds before the end of that 

 time. 



In about a month after the first thinning or 

 weeding, the hoe should be used among them to 

 the extent of three or four inches, which will finally 

 set them out for the season. Nothing further will 

 be required until they are pulled up for drying, ex- 

 cept that in the event of weeds happening more or 

 less to rise, they must be cleared off by the hand. In 

 wet seasons, and often from late sowings, onions are 

 apt to grow thick-necked ; in such cases they should 

 be gently bent down with the head of a wooden 

 rake, which will check their rapid growth, and 

 cause them to come sooner to maturity. 



Some time in August, the onions in general will 



