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GAEDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



Northern States for export. It is deep red, medium size, 

 rather flat, and keeps well. 



Yellow Strashurg. — Large yellow, oval, a little flat- 

 tened, very hardy ; keeps exceedingly Avell, but is a little 

 too strong in flavor for most tastes. Best for winter use at 

 the South. 



Silver-s'kinned. — Of smaller size but finer flavor, silvery 

 white, flat, and very much used for pickling. 



These three are the best among some fourteen varieties 

 to raise for family use ; and the Yellow and Red for gene- 

 ral culture, as the white is apt to decay. Besides these 

 varieties the Top and Potato onion will be hereafter 

 noticed. 



Culture. — Onions are raised from seed or sets which 

 may be planted from October to April, but February is the 

 best month for the purpose. Onions require a very rich, 

 light soil and a free, open exposure; they will not do any- 

 thing under the shade of trees. If the soil is not rich, a 

 plenty of well rotted manure should be applied some time 

 before planting and well dug in. A moderate quantity of 

 leached ashes and soap suds will not come amiss, whether 

 before or after planting. They do not require a change of 

 soil, being an exception to the general rule that plants like 

 a rotation, as they have been grown in Scotland a century 

 in the same spot without any diminution of the crop. The 

 root throws off no excrementitious matter. 



The onion can be grown in great perfection at the South. 

 In the hot climates of Spain, Portugal, and especially 

 Egypt, the finest onions in the world are produced", the roo'ts 

 being milder and of greater size than in most countries. 



It is a good plan to make the beds just wide enough for 

 three rows, say thirty inches wide, with a narrow alley 

 between, which may be filled with sweet corn or cabbages, 

 after the crop is laid by. The soil of the beds must be 



