Onions 1393 



The Danver and the Ohio are slightly flattened at the top. The 

 Southport is almost a perfect sphere, with an extremely small neck, 

 and is a good keeper. 



SEED 



Where to obtain the best seed is a question which puzzles every 

 grower. Every catalog will claim that the seed it advertises is 

 the best, or at least as good as any, but every year some one is 

 taken in by a house selling onion seed of poor quality. Sometimes 

 a firm will sell seed which will grow onions of as many different 

 colors as Joseph's coat, and if one looks at the package in which 

 the seed came he will find this legend, " This company gives no 

 warranty, expressed or implied, in regard to its seeds." 



The best way is to grow one's own seed. When securing onions, 

 carefully select the best bulbs, choosing for color, shape and size. 

 From a bushel of bulbs will often be gathered three or more 

 pounds of seed. 



By putting the seed in a tub of water and throwing away all that 

 does not quickly sink to the bottom, only the good is saved. 



The seed grown by a South Lima man, tested at New York 

 State College of Agriculture a year ago with seed from several of 

 the largest seed houses, was found to be the best. 



Five pounds of seed that will test 80 per cent, or better should 

 be enough for an acre. It used to be said that one ought to sow 

 at least six pounds in order to have some for maggots and other 

 troubles that are sure to beset the crop, but the smaller amount is 

 more in favor now. 



FERTILIZERS 



After the seed question comes that of fertilizer — certainly an 

 important one. 



The onion is a gross feeder and plant food must be supplied in 

 liberal quantities. It should be a kind that is quickly available. A 

 high-grade fertilizer with 4-8-10 analysis is a popular brand, 

 though some prefer to use 2-8-10. In either case about a ton to 

 the acre should be sown broadcast before the seed is sown. Some 

 prefer to sow but part of the fertilizer then and the balance later 

 in the season when the onions are one-half or two-thirds grown. If 

 the season is a dry one it is doubtful if the crop derives much 

 benefit from the late sowing. 



