116 THE PllACTICAL GARDENER. [Mar, 



less liable to the attacks of maggots than when they form their 

 bulbs under the surface, which is principally occasioned by 

 dunging and digging light soils for onions in the spring." 



Any of the sorts in general cultivation may be chosen, accord- 

 ing to the fancy of the sower, or the purpose for which they 

 may be intended. The Strasburg, Deptford, and globe, are 

 preferred for principal crops; the Portugal and Spanish are 

 esteemed for crops which come the soonest into use ; James' 

 Keeping, and pale red, for keeping ; the blood red is much 

 sown in Scotland and Wales for its strong flavor, and is 

 esteemed in the London market for its diuretic qualities ; the 

 Lisbon is a good sort for autumn sowing, but the Strasburg 

 is generally sown at that time. For the distance between the 

 rows, see February. 



PLANTING ONIONS FOR SEED. 



Where it is intended to save the seeds of onions, either for 

 sale or private consumption, plant them at this time. Select 

 some of the finest bulbs in the autumn, and reserve them for 

 this purpose. Plant them in drills three or four inches deep, and 

 one ibot apart ; place the onions ten or twelve inches asunder 

 in the line, according to their size and sort. For the con- 

 venience of clearing them from weeds in -summer, and support- 

 ing them when their heads become heavy,' plant them in beds 

 of three or four rows each, allowing two feet and a half be- 

 tween each bed, for the purpose of getting in among them. 

 They have now only to be kept clear of weeds, and supported 

 as they advance in growth, and will ripen their seeds in August 

 or September. 



SOWING CARROTS. 



Crops of carrots may now be sown in light dry soils ; sow in 

 drills ten or twelve inches apart, and cover carefully about half 

 an inch deep. The orange and Alteringham are the preferable 

 sorts. 



A spot of light ground, in an open situation, should be 

 chosen for this crop, for the roots thrive considerably if those 

 points be properly attended to. 



