VEGETABLES — DESCRIPTION AND CULTURE. 



259 



the stem like the Top Onion. It is very prolific, and af- 

 fords a supply before other kinds are ready. Plant the 



offsets in rows a foot apart 

 and ten inches in the row, 

 three inches deep, from Oc- 

 tober to March. 



Fi°T. 69. — POTATO ONION. 



SIX 



Top or Tree Onion.— (Al- 

 lium Cepa. var. viviparum.) 

 Is said to have originated in 

 Canada. It produces little 

 bulbs ("buttons") at the top 

 of the seed stems ; hence its 

 name "Tree Onion". This is the easiest to manage of any 

 of the onions, is of good, mild flavor, early and productive' 

 with little care, so that it is a favorite in climates too cold 

 and too warm for the other varieties. Plant the buttons 

 from October to March in drills one foot apart and 

 inches in the drill. Plant 

 the apex of the button just 

 beneath the surface of the 

 soil. The small top bulbs 

 are fine for pickling. 



Ciboule or Welsh Onion, 



(AUhimfistulosiim) .—Of two 

 kinds, white and red ; is quite 

 distinct from the common 

 onion and does not bulb. It 

 is sown in September for 

 drawing early in spring. 

 Flavor strong, very hardy. 

 Thompson describes 20 sorts of onion, of which the fore- 

 going are the best. Of these the first two and the Top 

 Onion are to be preferred for general use. 



Culture. — Onions are raised from seed or sets, which 

 may be planted from October to April, but February is 



Fig. 70.— TOP ONION. 



