134 MARKET GARDENING. 



them roll down to the first floor, for topping. If they 

 get frozen they will generally come out sound, if left 

 undisturbed till the frost is out. 



The vitality of onion seed should always be carefully 

 and thoroughly tested before sowing. The best wa}/ is 

 to count out two or three samples of one hundred seeds 

 each, and each separate sample place between two layers 

 of cotton batting> resting on saucers, each containing a 

 quarter inch of water. Put in a warm place, and keep 

 water at same level. The seeds will sprout in a few days. 

 Find the general average of percentage that will develop 

 shoots of half an inch in length, and plant accordingly, 

 assuming eighty-five per cent, a standard of highest vital- 

 ity. If, with seed of eighty-five per cent, vitality, six 

 pounds is proper to sow an acre, then with seed of only 

 sixty per cent, vitality, nine pounds should be sown. 



Be not deluded into the purchase of cheap seed, 

 such is always questionable, always suspicious. In the 

 first place, it may not grow at all, or not over fifty or 

 sixty per cent. ; and, secondly, and more damaging to 

 the planter, it may be from common mixed stock, or 

 prove late and staggy. This the grower only discovers 

 after a loss of a season and expensive labor. 



