i3i 



would be, but I find that many an old theory goes to pieces 

 when put to the test, and it was so in this case, but 1 will 

 give my experience in detail. 



Eight cords of good manure from a city stable was spread 

 on the ground and plowed in April 20 and 21 ; the next 

 day it was harrowed with the Acme, and dragged with the 

 old smoothing drag, then harrowed again and hand raked 

 with iron rakes, the small stones and rubbish being carted 

 away. Seven barrels of home-made phosphate, mostly bone 

 and ashes, was applied just before harrowing. The raking 

 took thirteen days' work. 3i lbs. of Danvers Yellow Globe 

 seed of my own growing was sown April 23 and 24 with 

 the old-style Danvers seed-sower, a wooden machine that 

 was invented about 1803, and for accurate sowing of small 

 seed it has never been equalled or beaten, and I doubt if it 

 ever will be. The rows were 14 inches apart. Onions 

 were up so as to be seen across the piece May 8, fourteen 

 days alter sowing, and May 14 I began hoeing them with a 

 Gregory finger wceder which 1 used until they were six 

 inches high, when 1 found the Arlington slide hoe much 

 better adapted to the work for the rest of the season. We 

 finished first weeding June 1; second, June 21; third, July 

 12; fourth, July 30, and then went over the bed once in Au_ 

 gust, as much for the looks as anything, though it saved 

 many weeds going to seed. Began raking out the onions 

 Sept. 14, and in a few days they were dried and undercover 

 and were soon sold. Most of the topping was done in rough 

 weather and at odd times. Now for the figures, and it is 

 not guess-work, for they arc taken from the account kept 

 through the season, and though I cannot figure the cost as 

 small as some who win premiums, yet my statement may 

 be just as correct . 

 The crop is charged with 



Manure, 8 cords at #8.00, *G4 00 



Phosphate, 17 50 



Flowing, harrowing and dragging, 5 00 



Raking, 13 days at #1.50, 1 ( .» 50 



Horse, 1 day, 1 25 



