184 VEGETABLES FOR EXHIBITION 



with wood wool for them to rest upon. By so doing 

 advantage may be taken of sunny weather to expose 

 them, placing them safely under cover at night. A 

 cool airy vinery or even cold frames are suitable places 

 on wet days, turning the bulbs daily, so that every part 

 is thoroughly exposed and ripened. Finally, clean 

 them by removing all loose skins, paring off the roots 

 neatly, and shortening the tops, leaving about six 

 inches, which should be neatly bent over and tied 

 with fine twine. Store in a cool dry airy room, and 

 allow them to rest on a bed of soft wood wool. 



Autumn Varieties. Prepare ground for this crop 

 in the same way as for the former. Make two sowings, 

 the first about 2oth August, and another ten days later, 

 choosing a southern site for the latter sowing. Before 

 sowing give the bed a good dressing of soot and wood 

 ashes, and sow thinly in shallow drills nine inches apart. 

 Make thoroughly firm, rake down fine and level, hoe 

 frequently to keep down weeds, and little further at- 

 tention will be needed before spring. Being practically 

 hardy the earlier the plants are transplanted to the 

 prepared ground the better. Lift the strongest and 

 best plants with a garden trowel, plant with the same, 

 and treat exactly as advised for the summer crop. 

 Autumn-sown Onions are indispensable for spring and 

 summer shows, and when well grown and staged stand 

 one in good stead in close competition in a collection 

 of vegetables. No attempt should be made to ripen 

 these off except for late shows, and to be seen at their 

 best they should be faced up and neatly garnished 



