THE ONION. 73 



upon its stalks, in the manner of many of the species of the 

 Onion family ; but, if a full-grown bulb be set in spring, a 

 number of bulbs of various sizes will be formed beneath the 

 surface of the ground, about the parent bulb. 



Like other varieties of onions, it requires a rich, deep 

 soil. In April, select the large bulbs, and set them ten inch- 

 es apart, in rows fifteen inches asunder, with the crown of 

 the bulbs just below the surface of the ground. As soon 

 as the tops are entirely dead, they will be ready for har- 

 vesting. It is very prolific, yielding from four to six 

 fold. 



Bulb of medium size, flattened, - average Silver-skin, 

 specimens measuring three inches in diame- J^NKW- ENGLAND- 

 ter, and an inch and a half or two inches in 

 thickness ; neck small ; skin silvery-white. After the re- 

 moval of the outer envelope, the upper part of the bulb is 

 often veined and clouded with green, while 

 the portion produced below ground is gen- 

 erally clear white. Flesh white, fine- 

 grained, sugary, and remarkably mild- 

 flavored. 



It forms its bulb early and regularly, 

 ripens off well, and is quite productive ; Silvei .^ n Qnioll . 

 an average yield being about four hundred 

 bushels per acre. It is a poor keeper, and this is its most 

 serious objection. The best method for its preservation is 

 to spread the roots in a dry, light, and airy situation. 



The Silver-skin Onion is much esteemed in the middle 

 and southern sections of the United States, and is cultivated 

 to a considerable extent in New England. It is well adapted 

 for sowing in August or the beginning of September, for 

 early use, and for marketing during the ensuing spring. 

 Where the winters are mild, the crop, with slight protec- 

 tion, will sustain no injury in the open ground. In Europe, 

 it is much esteemed, and extensively grown for pickling, as 



