i8o 



usually be acid. This condition can be corrected 

 by liberal applications of lime. Stable manures 

 are absolutely essential in the production of satis- 

 factory crops from any type of soil except the muck, 

 and even in these soils stable manures are frequently 

 considered the most desirable form of fertilizer. 

 Liberal applications of from 500 to 1,000 pounds 

 per acre of commercial fertilizer analyzing 

 approximately 4-8-10 are frequently made with 

 profitable results. The onion is a gross feeder, the 

 total nunfber of plants per acre is enormous, and as 

 a consequence, satisfactory results cannot be ex- 

 pected except there be a large amount of plant 

 food available and an abundance of moisture 

 present to carry it to the plants. Fall plowing 

 should be practiced whenever possible, especially 

 when manures are applied. In the spring the soils 

 should be fined and pulverized by the frequent use 

 of the disk, spring-tooth, smoothing and Meeker 

 harrows, the surface finally being left perfectly 

 smooth by the use of the drag. 



The seed of the onion retains its vitality for a very 

 short period of time and should never be depended 

 upon for commercial planting after the first season. 

 Every precaution should be taken to secure the best 

 seed possible. A few seedsmen have established a 

 reputation in connection with the onion seed they 

 supply. Every effort should be made to get in 

 touch with such dealers. Poor stands and conse- 

 quently heavy losses are of all too common occur- 

 rence as a result of poor and cheap seed. 



Seeding is usually done with any of the excellent 

 hand drills now upon the market. The rows are 

 drilled from 12 to 18 inches apart. From three- 

 quarters of an inch to one inch is the proper depth for 



