ONIONS 131 



is a good period, the date varying somewhat according 

 to the locality and climatic conditions. The surface 

 of the bed must be raked down fine, and then drills 

 two inches deep and twelve inches to fifteen inches 

 apart are drawn, the seeds being scattered thinly in 

 these and finally covered with the fine soil. When 

 this has been done lightly rake the surface level, and 

 then either tread the soil firm or else pass a light 

 roller over the bed, especially where the soil is of a 

 sandy character, as the young seedlings delight in a 

 firm rooting medium. As soon as the young plants 

 are large enough thinning must be resorted to, and it 

 is well to do this gradually, going over the bed at 

 intervals of about nine days. By so doing there is 

 less danger of over-thinning, which sometimes hap- 

 pens when disease takes the plants in their partially 

 developed stage. Good and useful bulbs are frequently 

 obtained from outdoor sowings, and practically all 

 cottagers grow their Onions in this way. 



Do not allow the crop to suffer from drought during 

 hot weather, but give copious waterings with liquid 

 manure whenever required. Keep the bed free from 

 weeds, and make frequent use of the hoe. When 

 the bulbs have nearly finished swelling, the most for- 

 ward ones should be slightly raised with a fork to 

 prevent their splitting ; also bend over the tops, as 

 this will assist them to ripen. Choose a bright day 

 for harvesting the crop, and be careful not to bruise 

 any, or their keeping qualities will be considerably 



