i;8 



ONION 



The onion is one of the oldest plants in cultiva- 

 tion, and because of its great adaptation to a wide 

 range of cultural methods and the endless uses to 

 which it may be put, its growth is almost universal 

 and in some localities it is grown in very large areas. 

 The plant belongs to the lily family and contains 

 a number of important subdivisions, each of con- 

 siderable importance commercially, and meeting 

 variable uses. The first class comprises all of those 

 varieties commonly produced directly from seed. 

 This class includes practically all the main crop as 

 grown in the North. A second class reproduces 

 itself from compound bulbs which contain a 

 great number of growing points, each of which de- 

 velops into a like bulb. This is commonly known 

 as the multiplier group. The potato onion belong- 

 ing to this group is largely planted in the fall of the 

 year on account of its extreme hardiness. It re- 

 quires only that it be mulched to pass the winter 

 in perfect safety, even under northern conditions. 

 From this division is secured a large part of the early 

 bunch onions grown in the North. A third class is 

 known as the Egyptian or tree onion. This onion 

 produces a stock corresponding to the blossom 

 stock in common forms, but develops small bulbs 

 on the top instead of flowers and seeds. This group 

 is extremely hardy, withstanding northern winters 

 successfully without protection of any kind. They 

 are usually planted in the fall of the year. They 

 make some growth before cold weather comes and 

 start growing very early in the spring. They fur- 

 nish a large share of the extra early or green oniofis 

 of the market. 



Onion sets may be considered as a subdivision of 



