Daniels Bros., Norwich, Spring , 1896. 
27 
Onion. 
Cultivation. — Preparation of Ground. — The Onion is what may be termed a gross feeder; and cannot be grown to 
perfection without a good depth of rich and well pulverised soil and an opeu situation. Superficially, it would appear the reverse of 
this, though the roots are known to run downwards many feet where agreeable soil exists, and for which reason very deep and good 
cultivation is of the first importance. In preparing a bed for Onions, therefore, always endeavour to trench it deeply, adding abundance 
of manure at the bottom of each trench, and throughout its various strata as the work progresses. The object to be obtained being to 
thoroughly break up and manure the soil to the depth of twenty 
to twenty-four inches, we should recommend its accomplishment 
in the following manner:— In October or November, or as early 
as possible afterwards, dig out a trouch two feet wide and one 
spade deep, removing the soil where you intend to finish ; break 
up the bottom or subsoil of the trench another spade deep, 
mixing in a liberal quantity of manure, throw on this the soil 
from the next space of two feet, again mixing in plenty of manure, 
treat the second and succeeding trenches in the same manner, 
until the whole plot is completed. It is found that by this 
means the ground will resist drouPght much better than when 
dug in the ordinary way, that heavy soils are rendered less 
retentive, and light soils greatly improved, and that all soils are 
much benefited, and will yield much finer crops in successive 
seasons. By timely sowing, good cultivation, and careful harvest- 
ing, Onions can be produced in this country, in size, quality, and 
mildness of flavour, and for culinary purposes, equal to the finest 
importations from Portugal or Spain. And the great wonder is 
that much larger quantities are not grown, as thousands of tons 
are imported at a cost of more than £100,000 annually, which 
could be as well produced at home to meet the great demand 
for this much esteemed article of food, possessing as it does 
such valuable medicinal and nutritious properties. An occasional 
dressing of soot during the Winter and Spring will be of great 
benefit. Dauiels’ Eureka Manure worked into the soil, or applied 
in liquid form, is a powerful stimulant to growing crops. 
Spring Sowing. — The early sowing, consisting of such fine 
sorts as Daniels’ Improved White Spanish, lied Wethersfield, and 
Zitteau Giaut Yellow, &c., should be made early in February, and 
the main one of all kinds early in March. Always where convenient, 
sow in drill-rows, drawn very shallow, and about nine inches apart. 
Before sowing the seeds the ground should be well trodden down 
and raked level. Immediately the seeds are sown, level in the 
drill-rows neatly, then well tread over the whole surface of the 
bed, again raking it over to remove all stones, &c. The young 
seedling plants must be kept quite free from weeds by frequent use 
of the hoe, and immediately they are large enough, thinning 
should be performed, carefully drawing all weaklings out without 
disturbing such as are to remain, and which should be at a 
distance of from eight to nine inches apart, if any fine produce is 
aimed at. Where, however, much moderate-sized produce is in 
demand (and it has become the fashion to garnish with such) it 
is not desirable to thin nearly so much. In regard to growing 
“ picklers,” these should be sown more thickly, and receive no 
thinning out at all ; and it may be necessary, in the case of very 
good ground, to sow them on to a poor site chosen for its poverty, 
and stony, or similar characteristics. Irrigation or any kind of 
artificial waterings, especially if more or less manurial, will prove 
of great benefit in growing large and fine produce. The maggot, 
which often attacks the crops, may be “kept off” by sprinkling 
the young seedlings thinly with fresh slaked lime immediately 
after thinning, and during showery weather. Watering them 
DANIELS' IMPROVED white Spanish. with the lime ‘Ur has also the same effect. 
EVIDENCE OF QUALITY. 
“ I beg to inform you that the Onion Seed I had from you has turned 
out very well for such a dry season. I Dulled six Onions from my bod 
for the Show, and took First Prize with them ; they measured 11* inches 
round. I also had six of them in a collection of Vegetables, took First 
Prize.”— Mr. J. TASSELLi, Staplehurst. 
“I have much pleasure in sonding photograph of Golden Rocca 
Onions grown from your Seeds, with which I took First Prize, having, 
at least, beaten twenty other sorts.” — Mr. J. RUMBELLOW, Brough. 
” I have taken three years in succession First Prize with your 
Golden Rocca Onion. ” — Mr. H. E. COOPER, South Clifton. 
“I took First Prize this season with Golden Rocca Onion, and 
they were admired by all.” — Mr. C. STEVEJNS, Maidstone. 
“ I beg to inform you that I took First Prize with Golden Rocca 
Onion.”— Mr. J. DOE, Hoo. 
“ Your Golden Rocca Onion have obtained First Prize three years 
uimr fmin mv warden.”— Mr. T. ATKINSON, Newcastle-on-Tyne. 
“I have much pleasure in saying that I took First Prize with your 
Rousham Park Hero and James’ Keeping OnioDS. Most ot the 
Seeds I got from you took Prizes at our Show last year. —Mr. J. W . 
KIRK, Laceby. 
“I have some bulbs of Golden Rocca this year weighing 11 lbs. 
each.”— Mr. W. FENNER, Tolleshuut D'Arcy. 
‘‘I obtained two First Prizes at the Downham Market Flower Show, on 
July 31st, with your Golden Rocca Onions.”- Mr. T. GATES, 
Wimbotham. 
•• I am pleased to say tbnt. I tools First and Second Prizes with die 
Golden Rocca Onion Seed I bad of you last year."— 
AELSON, Harpole. 
