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Top onions are propagated from little bulbs, which grow in 

 this variety where the seeds grow in the common sorts. They 

 grow to a large size, are pleasant, mild flavored, rather 

 coarsely and loosely made up, and have the reputation of 

 being poor keepers. Raised like the Potato onion. 



SEED SOWING MACHINES. 



There are a variety of machines in the market for sowing 

 onion and other seed, but most or all of them can be 

 arranged in four classes, viz; Brush Sowers, Snap Sowers, 

 Drop Sowers and Agitators. 



Brush machines are those in which the seed is forced out 

 by a brush contained in the seed box. The characteristic 

 feature in this class of seed planters is of English origin, and 

 has passed through various modifications in this country. 



The Brush machine, 

 an engraving of which 

 is here presented, 

 makes the drills, drops 

 the seed, covers and 

 rolls it ; it is adapted 

 for planting all the 

 common root crops. 



The rows in this machine are marked out by a chain, two 

 of which hang near the handles and drag on the ground, 

 being-used alternately. The wheel is pushed along the mark 

 made by the chain. 



The principle on which the '"Snap" machine is founded is 

 the securing the flow of seed through the aperture by a 

 jerking motion, which is usually effected by a spring which 

 makes a snapping noise when set free. 



