-±2 BULLETIN 1325 U. S. DEPABTMEXT OF AGBICrXTTBE 
of packages, and hauling his own order when the car arrives. A 
parr of the receipts are reshipped with other vegetables in mixed 
car lots ro towns wirhin 150 miles. 
Seattle. — Condirions are similar in die onion marker ar Searrle 
except for rhe prominence of the onions from rhe Yakima Valley. 
The Oregon onion commands a premium: but. because of the freight 
rates. Yakima onions hold rhe marker as long as rhe stock from that 
section arrives in good condirion. The heavy demand for onions 
in rhe Northwest is from September to May while logging camps 
are active. 
MARKET PREFERENCES 
The yellow varieties, both in rhe early and rhe late crop, are given 
preference in eastern markers. Red or pink stock is not much 
wj uted, except in a few cities of the South and Southwest, particu- 
larly St Louis and Kansas City. White stock meets only a moderate 
demand anywhere. At times, especially in the fall, small, white 
pickling onions sell ar a high premium over all other stock, but the 
outlet for these is limited. Australian Browns sell well in corupe- 
tition with the yellow stock and at times bring a slight premium 
over the eastern onions, but supplies are light. 
In size, rhe medium onion is most desired. Prices have consid- 
ing on this feature. TYhen prices are low a fairly large 
onion is wanted: but if prices are high medium sizes are given 
preference, because of the demand of the small retailer who sells 
onions by the pound or in even smaller quantities. The number of 
onions in the wind is the factor considered by the consumer. Pre- 
ferable sizes of domestic early and late stock are from 2^4 t0 r 3 - 
inches in diameter. Boilers do not sell readily and except in ^ew 
Y : k and a few other markets usually have to be moved at a sub- 
stantial discount. Preferable sizes of Spanish onions are from 3 
to 3% inches in diamerer with the one-third crate the best seller. 
The 100-pound open-mesh paper fiber bag is rhe preferred con- 
tainer for old stock but does not always justify its expense over 
rhe burlap sack. Onions in secondhand burlap sacks may sell ar 
liscount of 10 t " ents on account of package and appearance. 
The standard ventilated crate is the usual container for Bermuda 
-: k, as if affords ventilation and enable- the buyer to see what he 
is buying. The small crate, packed ■■ tc 72 to rhe crate, is rhe most 
d : package for imported Spanish stock. The demand for rhe 
large ses is limited. 
SUPPLIES OF LARGE CITIES 
The maps (figs. 21, 23. 24, and 25) show principal sources of 
carlot supply for c o Leading city markets by percentage of 
total received from each of the States shown. Tables 4. 5. 6. 7. 
and 8 gives annual car-lot unloads at principal cities, with respect 
to total shipments, population, variations from five-year average, 
and principal sources of supply. 
There are no accurate figures on the total consumption in the 
United States, but the number of carloads unloaded in 12 principal 
cities of the country with an aggregate population of approximately 
21,70G\< people li their metropolitan districts (as defined by the 
