100 MISC. PUB. 190, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 
stems, and from damage caused by dirt, or other 
foreign matter, moisture, sunburn, sunseald, cuts, 
disease, insects, or mechanical or other means. Un- 
less otherwise specified, the minimum diameter of 
each onion shall be 154 inches.” 
In order to allow for variations incident to proper 
grading and handling, not more than 5 percent, by 
weight, of any lot may be below the requirements of 
this grade, but not more than a total of two fifths of 
this tolerance or 2 percent, may be allowed for onions 
which are water-soaked or aifected by decay or sun- 
scald. In addition, not more than 5 percent, by 
weight, may be below the specified minimum size. 
Unclassified shall consist of onions which are not 
graded in conformity with the foregoing grade. 
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS 
As used in these grades: 
“Similar varietal characteristics’ means that the 
onions have the general distinguishing features of 
the Creole type, i.e., flat to somewhat globular shape. 
Variations in color from yellow to brownish red 
shall be permitted but white Creole onions shall not 
be mixed in the same container with onions of other 
colors. 
‘** Mature’ means having reached a stage of develop- 
ment at which tie onions are firm, not soft or spongy. 
“Well shaped” means having the characteristic 
shape, not 8-, 4-, or 5-sided, thick-necked, or otherwise 
misshapen, but not necessarily of either flat or globe 
type. 
* Doubles” means cnions which have developed 
more than one distinct bulb joined only at the base. 
“Splits ’’ means onions which have developed more 
than one distinct bulb but covered by an outer scale. 
“Bottle necks’ means onions which have thick 
necks usually with poorly developed bulbs. 
“Seed stems” means any seed stems which are 
tough or woody, or which are more than one quarter 
inch in diameter. 
“ Damage” means any injury from the causes men- 
tioned which materially affects the apes rece or 
shipping or edible quality. 
42Minimum sizes other than 134 inches in diameter sha!l 
be specified in connection with the grade as “U.S. No. 1, 
1144-inch minimum.” 
