marketing onions 
15 
is clone in the field, after which the crates are tilted or stacked to 
permit ventilation, and left to cure for a few days longer before 
hauling. 
Grading is done over inclined screens or slatted racks, the usual 
practice being to separate the stock I14 inches and larger from the 
smaller sizes. Loose tops and dirt also pass through the" screens. In 
Orange County. X. Y., grading is not so close. A three-fourths to one 
inch screen is employed, with the result that nothing but the very small 
- picklers." tops, and other foreign material are removed. Standard 
grades for northern-grown onions are just coming into general use. 
The United States grades are the only widely-recognized standard, 
but as their use is wholly optional, growers in general do not comply 
strictly with their specifications. During the season of 1923 the 
grades were used in connection with the joint inspection service 
offered at shipping points by the United States Department of Agri- 
Fig. 10. — Harvesting California onions 
culture and the several State departments of agriculture. Official 
inspections have been made on the basis of the United States grades 
in Xew York. Massachusetts, Ohio, Indiana, Colorado, Utah, Cali- 
fornia, and Washington. 
The U. S. No. 1 grade for northern-grown onions, as revised in 
1921. includes all lots of similar varietal characteristics which are 
firm, mature, free from doubles, splits, bottle necks, scallions, dirt, 
tops, or other foreign matter and from damage caused by sprouting, 
freezing, disease, insects, or mechanical or other means. Unless other- 
wise specified, the minimum size shall be V/ 2 inches in diameter 
Onions may be classified for size on the following basis : 
BOILERS SMALL MEDIUM LARGE 
% to li 2 inches 1% to 1% inches 1% to 214 inches over 2^4 inches 
The United States grades for northern-grown onions apply to 
all varieties except Bermudas, Creoles, and Denias. 3 No standards 
are recognized for the last two types. 
3 See footnote 
