24O 



ECONOMIC PLANTS 



die. The bulbs must lie on the ground until the tops 

 are entirely dead. Experts differ as to the advisability 

 of removing the dead tops before storing the bulbs, 

 but in either case they must be kept in dry, cool places 

 where the air can circulate freely. 



FIG. 123. Harvesting Onions. 



The onion is very nutritious, containing a large quan- 

 tity of nitrogenous matter and sugar with an acrid 

 volatile oil resembling oil of garlic. This oil is dissi- 

 pated in boiling so that boiled onions are much milder 

 than raw ones. In warm countries this vegetable is 

 of a more delicate flavor than in temperate regions. In 

 Spain and Portugal a raw onion is often eaten like an 

 apple, and with a piece of bread often forms the dinner 

 of a working man. Bermuda and Spanish onions are 

 among the choicest varieties. 



