LEADING VEGETABLE CROPS 1 79 



the first group, because produced directly from seed. 

 They are simply normal onions that have been ar- 

 rested in their growth and development by methods 

 of planting and cultivation. When replaced in the 

 soil this arrested growth continues and matures 

 large bulbs. The onion set is also used largely for 

 the production of early bunch onions. 



Ideal soils for the onion seem to be muck or 

 alluvial lands, found in restricted areas in a great 

 many places over the country. 

 While the onion may be grown 

 in almost any type of soil, except 

 the heaviest clays, the cost of cul- 

 tivation is materially lessened and 

 yields usually increased by plant- 

 ing, in the so-called muck soils, 

 universally considered as typical 

 for this particular crop. Loamy 

 soils, however, frequently produce 

 firmer and heavier bulbs of better 

 quality than those produced in 

 muck soils. The cost of produc- 

 tion, however, in connection with 

 other factors usually throws the 

 value in favor of muck soils. 

 Thorough preparation should al- 

 ways precede the planting of 

 onions. If the muck or swamp . ^„„„ „„„^„ „„ 



., , , ^ A GOOD BUNCH OF 



SOU has grown no former crops it spring onions 

 is always the better plan to clear and drain, then plow 

 in the fall and grow one or two crops of corn, potatoes 

 or something of the kind in order that the wildness may 

 be largely worked out and decomposition well started 

 before risking onions. If large quantities of unde- 

 cayed organic material are present the soil will 



